Browse Films

Iris Baez, a Puerto Rican from the Bronx, never meant to become an activist. Kadiatou Diallo never meant to leave her home in Africa and move to the U.S., to fight for justice for her son. Doris Busch Boskey, a Jewish woman from the suburbs, never thought she'd be become a spokesperson against police brutality. This film profiles three women from very different walks of life who find themselves united to seek justice after their sons are unjustly killed by police. Anthony Baez died during a football game when an officer put him in an illegal chokehold. Amadou Diallo was unarmed when he was shot at 41 times by police in his doorway. Gary (Gidone) Busch was pepper-sprayed and shot to death while holding a small hammer, though witnesses said he posed no threat. Their stories are tragic and the courage shown by the mothers heroic. As one witness says, "As long a there's a mother, we'll continue to fight."

One of the best resources focusing on the complex issues associated with the police use of deadly force. Every Criminal Justice program needs this film.
Dr. Delores Jones-Brown, Director, Center on Race, Crime and Justice, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

EVERY MOTHER'S SON brilliantly illustrates the capacity human beings have to overcome our pain by bearing witness, by finding the power to speak out against police violence and misconduct ... a masterpiece of contemporary documentary filmmaking.
Manning Marable, Director Center for Contemporary Black History Columbia University

My husband and I watched the video and thought it was wonderful. The courage and dignity with which the mothers transcended their personal tragedies to pursue justice is moving and inspiring. The film eloquently makes the point that change is made by regular people working together and supporting each other. It will be an essential teaching tool in academic and community settings. Despite the sadness of the situations and the outrageous behavior of the police and the public officials, the film gives us hope.
Marlene Fried Director, Civil Liberties and Public Policy Program Hampshire College

EVERY MOTHER'S SON achieves remarkable intimacy and depth around a controversial topic, and helps us to wrestle with this important issue. Every library should have it in their collection and build a film and discussion program around it!
Pamela Groves
Youth Services Librarian
Princton Public Library (Princeton, NJ)

This excellent film provides a sharp picture of how ordinary women of different backgrounds come to political voice through the shared tragic circumstance of the loss of a son. We see repeatedly the many effects, both intended and unintentional, of the aggressive policing that characterized Rudolph Guiliani's New York. There, police killings of innocent civilians transformed mothers into activists, catapulting everyday citizens to extraordinary action. This film sheds a unique light on the ironies of women's relationships to the state as mothers. Private roles become public identities and personal grief engenders political missions. If this film teaches students how motherhood can become a political tool, it also sheds light on the especial vulnerability of young men, notably minorities and the mentally ill, at the hands of a macho regime.
Lara Kriegel
Assistant Professor of History
Florida International University

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AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• PBS National Broadcast, "P.O.V."
• Emmy Nomination, Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Directing (2005)
• Audience Award, Tribeca Films Festival (2004)
• Cine Golden Eagle (2005)
• Gold Plaque, Social Political Documentary, Hugo Awards (2005)
• Award Finalist, IFP Spotlight on Documentary (2004 Independent Feature Film Market)
• UrbanWorld Film Festival (2004)

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