2008 Films

Award Winner Rescreening 01: At the Death House Door

Sunday, April 6th, 3:30pm
Duration: 120 min
Venue: Durham School of the Arts - Weaver Auditorium
  • At the Death House Door

    2008. USA. 96 mins. Directed by Steve James, Peter Gilbert. Produced by Peter Gilbert, Steve James. Executive produced by Gordon Quinn, Alison Palmer Bourke. Co-produced by Zak Piper, Aaron Wickenden. Associate produced by Emily Hart..

    For fifteen years Rev. Carroll Pickett served as death house chaplain to the Walls prison unit in Huntsville, Texas. There he presided over ninety-five executions, including the first lethal injection to take place anywhere in the world. After each execution, Pickett would make an audiotape documenting his involvement with the victim and the distress he felt over his own role in the death chamber. He was particularly affected by the execution of Carlos de Luna, whom he firmly believed to be innocent; evidence later turned up by two reporters from the Chicago Tribune suggests he was correct. A stirring montage of photographs, sound, and raw emotion, the film offers an unflinchingly original commentary on the death penalty. ST

Q&A following screening