Unintended Consequences
12 min | Not Rated | 2012
Justice Denied
Unintended Consequences is a documentary short examining the draconian impact of the Rockefeller Mandatory Minimum Drug Laws on families and communities in New York City. It follows a group called The Mothers of the New York Disappeared and focuses on Terrence Stevens, who was incarcerated under the Rockefeller Mandatory Minimum Drug Laws and received a sentence of fifteen years-to life. Suffering from muscular dystrophy and paralyzed from the neck down, Stevens served 9 years in a maximum security prison before being granted clemency. The film was produced in association with the Drug Policy Institute, which spearheaded the campaign to reform the Rockerfeller Manditory Minimum Drug Laws.
Trailer“I want to commend you on this film. We have used Unintended Consequences at 25 venues this year as a tool for public education on the Rockefeller Drug Laws repeal. The film has proven invaluable. Please keep on keeping on. Social justice needs an artist like you”
— Julie Mormando, JusticeWorks Community
Two women are having an emotional conversation outdoors, with a camera and other people around, in front of a black vehicle.
Three people engaged in a conversation in a warmly lit indoor setting, with a few other blurred figures in the background.
Three women at an art gallery, two of them are looking at a pink folder, one woman with gray hair wearing a pink and green outfit, another with curly hair wearing a dark outfit, and a man with a camera taking a picture.
A black and white portrait of a man with light-colored hair, wearing a dark shirt, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile.
Close-up of a man with a shaved head looking down, with another person slightly out of focus in the background.
A man with a shaved head giving a thumbs up while another man kisses his forehead at a celebration in a restaurant. Several people are standing in the background, and there are condiments and a small cake on the table.
A man in a wheelchair being assisted down an outdoor ramp with a person pushing from behind, in an urban setting.
A person holding a black and white photograph of a shirtless man sitting on a chair outdoors.
A man sitting inside a vehicle at a table with drinks and napkins, with another person outside near a snowy landscape and a concrete wall
A young boy and an adult man sitting on a patterned couch, facing each other. The boy is smiling and looking at the man, who appears to be listening attentively.
Two people sitting on a patterned couch, smiling and looking at each other.
Two boys sitting and standing on a cruise ship with others in the background, some seated, some standing, with a view of a river and city skyline through windows.
A young man and a young girl are playing a keyboard together. The young man is wearing a white T-shirt and a bandana with a stars pattern, while the girl is wearing a white shirt with colorful hearts and the word 'sweet'. The scene appears to be in an indoor public space, possibly a music event or class.
Black and white photo of two women sitting inside a vehicle, one with short hair holding a video camera, the other with long curly hair, with a window showing blurred structures in the background.
A woman and a young boy inside a boat or ferry, with other passengers seated behind them. The woman has long hair and is wearing sunglasses and a white jacket, while the boy is looking up towards her with an expressive face, wearing a white shirt. The setting appears to be in daylight with bright natural light coming through the windows.
A group of four people in a meeting room, with one person in a wheelchair, engaged in conversation. One woman is standing, leaning on the doorframe, and two boys are sitting nearby, with one looking at the woman and the man with glasses. A bookshelf with binders and a clock is visible in the room.
Inside a bus, a young girl with long hair and a necklace sitting next to an older woman with wavy hair, looking slightly to the right. An adult woman with short hair, looking serious, sitting behind them. A person holding a video camera captures the scene, focusing on the girl and the woman.
A group of four people, including two children and two adults, are engaged in a joyful interaction in an office or classroom setting. The man in a wheelchair is smiling and holding a device, while the girl with glasses and braided hair shows an expression of surprise or delight. The woman with short hair, wearing an orange shirt, appears to be amused and is standing behind them. The other girl, dressed in an orange shirt, is leaning on a table with her head down, covering her face.
Two women exchanging a high five in a hallway, both smiling and wearing white shirts.
Three people engaged in a discussion around a table with stacks of magazines or brochures.
A man in a wheelchair talking to a woman at a social event, with a woman in a gray suit smiling and pointing at him, and other guests in the background.
Group of people celebrating at a restaurant, with one man seated at a table with a birthday cake, and others standing around him, smiling and laughing.
An elderly man in a beige vest and checkered shirt leaning over a seated man in a black leather jacket, both smiling and holding each other's hands in a restaurant. Three other men are standing nearby, watching and smiling.
A group of men gathered around a seated man with a shaved head and a leather jacket, who is laughing and giving a thumbs up. An older man in a suit and tie is smiling and engaging with him. The scene appears to be in a restaurant or cafe, with bottles, a small cake, and some condiments on the table.