Free Men
A documentary by Anne-Frédérique Widmann
"Just because you're behind bars doesn't mean that you can't have dreams and goals and accomplish them." Kenneth Reams
Told through the charismatic voice of inmate Kenneth Reams, Free Men is a film about human resilience. Sentenced to death, in solitary confinement for the last 25 years, Kenneth has pushed back the walls of his cell to become a painter, a poet, the founder of a non-profit, and an art event organizer – while fighting at the same time for justice. At age 18, Kenneth Reams was convicted for capital murder without firing a bullet. He became the youngest inmate on Arkansas death row. Alongside art, the film shows how love can cross barbed wire and the length of an ocean in Kenneth’s love for Isabelle, a French artist who wants to become his wife. While Arkansas rushes to execute ten inmates in ten days – an absolute American record - the film captures Kenneth’s struggle, with unprecedented access to his daily battle, and raises universal questions - How can we fight injustice? How can we continue to move forward and find a sense of purpose in life?
Free Men is a film for all those who have thought, one day, of giving up.
An exclusive debate with Kenneth Reams and Anne-Frédérique Widmann will take place after the screening.