Dir. Yoav Potash – 2011 – 90m – Director in person at the Sat. & Sun. shows – No matinees – $5 students/seniors, $7 general

The dramatic story of the legal battle to free Debbie Peagler, an incarcerated survivor of domestic violence. Over 26 years in prison could not crush the spirit of this determined African-American woman, despite the wrongs she suffered, first at the hands of a duplicitous boyfriend who beat her and forced her into prostitution, and later by prosecutors who used the threat of the death penalty to corner her into a life behind bars for her connection to the murder of her abuser. Her story takes an unexpected turn two decades later when two rookie land-use attorneys step forward to take her case. Through their perseverance, they bring to light long-lost witnesses, new testimonies from the men who committed the murder, and proof of perjured evidence. Their investigation ultimately attracts global attention to victims of wrongful incarceration and abuse, and becomes a matter of life and death once more.

The producer and director of CRIME AFTER CRIME is Yoav Potash, a filmmaker who makes his home in Santa Fe.  Post-production of the film was completed in Albuquerque, with image mastering by HalfLife* Digital and sound mixing by Hear Kitty Studios.

Official Selection, Sundance Film Festival

Audience Award, San Francisco International Film Festival

Golden Gate Award for Investigative Documentary Feature, San Francisco International Film Festival

Justice Matters Jury Prize, Washington DC International Film Festival

Best Editing, Milan International Film Festival

Grand Prize, San Antonio Film Festival

Audience Award, Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Audience Award, Berkshire International Film Festival

Audience Award, Rochester Jewish Film Festival

Best Documentary, Berkshire International Film Festival

Henry Hampton Award for Excellence in Film & Digital Media, Council of Foundations Film Festival

Pursuit of Justice Award, California Women’s Law Center

“MAGNIFICENT…. difficult to leave the theater with dry eyes and an untouched heart.” - The New York Times (Critics’ Pick)

“AN INCREDIBLE INSIDE STORY.” - San Francisco Chronicle

“HARROWING, MOVING and INSPIRING, Crime After Crime introduces an unforgettable screen heroine in Peagler, who transcends the forces arrayed against her with uncommon strength and grace.” - The Washington Post

“Crime After Crime is a deeply affecting account of the very real effect of political corruption, but also of resilience and grace.” - Los Angeles Times

“What makes this story so unbelievable is that despite setback after setback, Debbie remains strong with an unwavering spirit that is awe-inspiring. Who are we to complain about our lives after everything this woman has been through?” - The Huffington Post

“It’s likely to be THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE FILM YOU SEE ALL SUMMER.” - New York Daily News

“This riveting documentary follows the sustained efforts of two land-use attorneys who decide to take on the case of a woman incarcerated for years due to her role in the death of an abusive boyfriend. It relates a great miscarriage of justice — but also one of heroic legal perseverance, with a surprisingly colorful cast of characters.” - New York Magazine