'Brian Banks' Speaks the Truth at the 2019 Summer KCET Cinema Series
Following a screening of "Brian Banks," film subject/executive producer Brian Banks, actor Melanie Liburd and producer Amy Baer attended a Q&A hosted by Cinema Series host Pete Hammond. This film is based on the true story of a high school junior and football star in Long Beach, CA, who is falsely accused by a classmate of a crime he didn’t commit. Even with a complete lack of evidence, Brian Banks is convicted of rape and sent to prison for five years, then spends five years on parole. In 2012 after his accuser confesses she fabricated the entire story and with the support of the California Innocence Project, Banks is exonerated, released from prison and ultimately fulfills his dream of playing NFL football.
Brian Banks is one of the country's most prominent exonerees. This former football star inspires with his unforgettable, life affirming story of resiliency, redemption and triumph over adversity and injustice. Brian has become a Life Coach and nationally-recognized public speaker, having spoken across the country and internationally. He sits on the advisory boards of the California Innocence Project and the National Registry of Exonerations. In 2017, Brian co-hosted "Final Appeal," a television series for the Oxygen network where Brian searches to uncover the truth behind controversial cases that may have led to wrongful convictions.
Melanie Liburd won a 2019 SAG Award as part of "This Is Us" ‘Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Drama Series’. Liburd is also recognized for her work on "Gypsy," "Crime Scene Investigation," "Double Play," "Dark Matter," "The Grinder," "Game Of Thrones" and "Stalker." Liburd was born in London and now resides in Los Angeles.
Amy Baer is best known for her work on "Last Vegas," "Mary Shelley," "My Best Friend’s Wedding," the Oscar® nominated film "Adaptation," "S.W.A.T.," "Something’s Gotta Give," "The Pursuit Of Happyness" and "Moneyball."
Baer is the first Board President of Women in Film, stepping into the role at a critical juncture in Hollywood, as the entertainment industry faces a broad reckoning over gender disparities and sexual harassment. Founded in 1973, Women In Film advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries – to achieve parity and transform culture.
See an event photo and listen to the Q&A from the screening below.