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Writ Writer portrays the historic conflict that emerged in the 1960s when Texas prisoners petitioned the courts for relief from inhumane prison conditions. Focusing on the story of self-taught jailhouse lawyer Fred Arispe Cruz, the film uncovers his legal battle, his collaboration with attorney Frances Jalet, and his successful litigation for the right of Texas prisoners to assist one another with lawsuits. His litigation paved the legal path for Ruiz v Estelle, the most comprehensive court-ordered state prison reform litigation in U.S. history.
Including commentary by civil rights attorneys William Bennett Turner and Steve J. Martin, and rare on-camera interviews with former Texas prison wardens and prisoners, the film illuminates a critical chapter in the contemporary history of U.S. corrections.
Rare archival film of Texas prison life combined with original documentary film footage reveals a troubled prison system on the verge of historic change. Dramatic aspects of the story emerge from the courtroom testimony, correspondence and diaries of Cruz over the course of his legal battle.
Writ Writer presents an extraordinary portrait of a brave and indefatigable man who stood up to insurmountable odds. Highly recommended.
Video Librarian
WRIT WRITER is a terrific film about a fascinating story in correctional history. It will be of interest to instructors and students, and will stimulate a deeper understanding of the complexities of prison law and prison reform.
Todd R. Clear, PhD
John Jay College
My wife and I watched it - mesmerized . It is truly powerful, an amazing story, both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Howard Zinn, PhD
Boston University, professor emeritus
Combining interviews with friends, associates and adversaries with a narration based on Mr. Cruz's prison journals, letters, legal writings and transcripts of his court appearances, Mason creates a detailed portrait of not just the man, but the times that shaped him.
Tom Maurstad
The Dallas Morning News
A gripping tale of a jailhouse lawyer who made a difference.
David Yas, Publisher
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
2009 SILVER GAVEL AWARD, American Bar Association
- Independent Lens (PBS), national television broadcast, 2008
- SXSW Film Festival, 2008
- San Diego Latino Film Festival, 2008
- CineFestival San Antonio, 2008
- Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival
- Rock the LockUp Prison Reform Film Festival
- Critical Resistance 10 Film Festival
Visit the official website for Writ Writer
