Watch Fight for Justice: David & Me

Fight for Justice: David & Me is a thought-provoking documentary about the criminal justice system in America and the struggle of an innocent man to prove his innocence. The film revolves around a former inmate, David McCallum, who spent 29 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He was falsely accused and convicted of murder at the age of 16.

The documentary is directed by Ray Klonsky and Marc Lamy and is an emotional and inspiring journey that explores the flaws in the justice system and the harsh realities faced by prisoners who are wrongfully convicted. It also showcases the dedication and perseverance of a group of individuals who fought for justice and freedom for David McCallum, and how their efforts have eventually led to his release from prison in 2014.

The film begins with McCallum’s arrest and trial for the murder of Nathan Blenner, a Brooklyn teenager, in 1985. The prosecutors presented McCallum and his friend as the perpetrators of the crime, based primarily on the testimony of a witness who later recanted his statement.

The documentary highlights the police misconduct, prosecutorial misconduct, and other misdeeds that contributed to McCallum's conviction. The film also questions the confession tapes that the police claimed they obtained from McCallum and his friend, Tevin Scott, while in custody. Through several interviews and investigations, the film raises questions regarding the legitimacy of the confessions and whether they were coerced under duress.

As the story unfolds, the audience is introduced to the various individuals who fought tirelessly for McCallum's exoneration. These individuals include his mother, Ernestine McCallum, who never gave up on her son’s innocence; lawyer Oscar Michelen, who launched a successful DNA-based appeal for McCallum's release; and Colby Williams, a young student who took on the case as an intern in his law firm.

The documentary not only presents the heart-wrenching story of McCallum's wrongful conviction but also delves into the larger issues of systemic abuse, corruption, and inequality that exist within the justice system. It highlights how racism and socio-economic disparities often lead to wrongful convictions and presents the need for reform.

The film also explores the difficult experience of adjusting to life after prison. After McCallum's release, he is forced to navigate a new world, which has changed in numerous ways since he was incarcerated three decades earlier. The film also showcases his struggles with PTSD and his desire to seek justice for his lost years in prison.

Overall, Fight for Justice: David & Me offers a harrowing and emotional account of a wrongful conviction and the human cost of injustice. It provides the audience with an honest and moving look at the flaws that exist within our justice system, and how the efforts of a few dedicated individuals can bring about real change.

This film is an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding the legal system, the impact of wrongful convictions, and the power of activism in seeking justice. It displays an ethical and genuine account of the broken criminal justice system in America and how people fight for their right to be heard and acknowledged. The documentary reminds us all of the need to be vigilant, to question assumptions, and to fight against injustice wherever we see it.