The Sentence of Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is the longest serving non-violent offender in Michigan history and this year he is finally up for clemency. In 1994, he was arrested for selling three pounds of cannabis to a close friend turned police informant. He was sentenced to 42 to 60 years in prison and remains there even after Michigan legalizes the recreational use and sale of cannabis.

The film follows Michael’s daughter Rashawnda and his lawyer Kim during the fight for clemency and examines the harm the war on drugs has caused on communities and explores paths forward as national Cannabis legalization gets closer to becoming a reality.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Kyle Thrash
photo of Haley Elizabeth Anderson

Credits

Directors:

Kyle Thrash, Haley Elizabeth Anderson

Producer:

W. Ian Ross, Kyle Thrash

Cinematographer:

Logan Triplett

Editor:

Matt Schaff

Sound Designer:

Calvin Pia

Music:

Malcolm Parson

Contact

Public Film Contact:

Synonymous Pictures
sxsw@crescolabs.com

Publicity Contact:

Kyle Thrash
sxsw@crescolabs.com
4845477548

Primary Access
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Secondary Access
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About
Year:
2021
Premiere Status:
Screening Category:
Language:
Runtime:
24 mins