After Innocence: Guided Questions

1. Was there a specific scene that got you? Describe and explain how it moved you.
   Hearing Nick Yarris talk about adjusting to life outside of prison was absolutely heartbreaking. “Could you imagine being accused of the worst thing you can imagine, being sent to a prison up in Huntington, Pennsylvania that was condemned by the United Nations for its practices of torture, and then being told you're not allowed to speak? That's true. For the first two years, I wasn't allowed to talk. I remember when I first got out of prison, how loud the world was. I would hear the tires on the cars of the street. I wouldn't hear the engines and the horn, I would hear the tires it would be so loud. And I was amazed by the smell of what the world was because I had been breathing refiltered air.” Imagine having difficulty getting used to something as basic as air, something that many people take for granted. Out of the eight men that this documentary focused on, Yarris had spent the most time in prison, which was 23 years, and on death row in solitary confinement.

2. What surprised you?
   It’s disheartening to know that, after going through so much while being innocent, most of these people have not received help or compensation. Some don't even receive an apology from their prosecutors or accusers. However, none of these men in this documentary appeared angry. At most, they became emotional or slightly frustrated when talking about their experiences. They all try to honestly work towards their dreams, whether it’s starting a family or getting a degree. At the same time, these eight determined men try to raise awareness about wrongful convictions and the damage that they can do to families. It was also surprising to see, for example, Ronald Cotton develop such a close friendship with his accuser. She tells the audience that, after spending 11 years in prison, Cotton was quick to forgive her and agreed to help use the experience to educate others.

3. What questions remain after the viewing? What feelings stayed with you after the film? What problematic concepts do you see in the film, concepts you might research and write about?
   After watching this documentary, one can’t help but feel both sad and encouraged. It’s painful hearing the eight men talk about the moments they were arrested or when they were in court. While focusing on how these men had their prime years snatched away from them, it’s very easy to forget that their families also suffered tremendously. A few were forced to leave behind young children. Vincent Moto, for example, mentioned how anyone could be a dad but how he wished to be a father. This documentary also makes sure to highlight the struggles that exonerees face even after being released. After visiting the Innocence Project website, it’s quite comforting to see that innocent people are still being exonerated to this day. Of course, it is sad to see people being wrongly imprisoned in the first place. While it is uplifting to read success stories, one can’t help but wonder if the Innocence Project is also working to help fight for the distribution of compensation. Do they only focus on working in the courtroom? Is anything being done about those who lose or destroy DNA evidence?