I Could Tell You ‘Bout My Life
February 7, 2019 6:30pm – 8:30pm
On April 10, 2017, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 18 years old. Now, 16- and 17-year-olds are no longer prosecuted and incarcerated as adults. However, when Michael Martin got arrested at the age of 17, this law did not exist and a judge sentenced him to five months in jail at Rikers Island. Two years later, at the age of 19, Martin filmed, narrated, and directed the short film I Could Tell You ‘Bout My Life (2018, 26 min), in which he reflects on his incarceration on Rikers and the effect it had on his life. Join us for the film’s premiere, followed by a conversation with Martin and others about the realities of juvenile justice and education in New York City today.
Additional speakers to be announced, check back for updates.
Co-presented with BYkids.
This screening is part of our Activism on Film series, which delves into stories of social activism in New York City inspired by our ongoing Activist New York exhibition.
About the Speaker:
Michael Martin filmed, narrated, and directed I Could Tell You ‘Bout My Life through the BYkids program. Mentored by filmmakers Chiemi Karasawa (award-winning documentary filmmaker and founder of Isotope Films) and Hollis Meminger (prolific cinematographer with television credits including The Blacklist, Narcos and Younger), Martin reflects on his incarceration on Rikers Island.
About BYkids:
BYkids mentors teens to tell their stories through film and share the realities of global inequality and injustice on the world stage. Kids learn citizenry through empathy, using film as a starting point for cross-cultural conversations. BYkids’ films are viewed and discussed by 248 million teens, educators and their families, creating understanding through storytelling.
Price: $15 for Adults | $12 for Seniors, Students, and Educators (with ID) | $10 for Museum Members
Includes Museum admission.
More Info:
Location
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue btwn 103rd and 104th Streets
New York NY 10029 US