For the time being
14th September 2024
h. 16:30
Concorso Internazionale
Synopsis:
“For the Time Being,” the first feature film by German director Nele Dehnenkamp, recounts Michelle Bastien-Archer’s tenacious battle against the American justice system. Michelle works tirelessly to prove the innocence of her husband Jermaine, who has been sentenced to 22 years in New York’s maximum-security Sing Sing prison. When new documents emerge that cast doubt on a key testimony, Michelle’s hope is ignited and she further doubles her efforts to obtain justice for Jermaine.
Michelle fights tirelessly to prove her husband’s innocence while also caring for her teenage children, Paul and Kaylea, as a single mother. The documentary captures her daily life between phone calls from jail, visits to attorneys, and participating in solidarity events for wrongfully convicted African Americans.
“For the Time Being” is not just a love story, but deeply explores racism and the dynamics of the U.S. justice system, offering an intense and engaging narrative of the struggle for justice and human resilience.
Director’s Notes:
More than 1.6 million people are currently serving prison sentences in the U.S., among them a disproportionately high number of young Afro-Americans. While the media has primarily spotlighted the experiences of Black men, For the Time Being shines a light on the work required of women to maintain a relationship with a prison inmate. At the same time, Michelle’s belief in a better future and her unwavering willpower provide an impressive example of female resilience. With For the Time Being, we want to encourage all women to dream big.