All Rise Film Festival Event
A sheltered college student falls in love, only to discover her boyfriend is a drug kingpin, thrusting her into the government’s “war on drugs.” Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, “Kemba” follows her harrowing journey as she is manipulated by her charming but abusive boyfriend Khalif, who drags her into his dangerous criminal world. Though she never handled drugs, Kemba faces severe consequences for her association with Khalif’s crimes. As her life unravels, her parents, an NAACP attorney, and a powerful coalition of Black civic organizations, celebrities, and lawmakers come together to fight for her freedom.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the intersections of race, gender, and the criminal justice system. The conversation will delve into the broader implications of Kemba’s story, examining how systemic racism, mass incarceration, and the “war on drugs” disproportionately impact Black women.
Panel:
Kemba Smith Pradia
Author and Criminal Justice Activist
Jonathan Witmer-Rich
Co-Director, CSU|LAW Criminal Justice Center
Laura Grieg
Director, CSU|LAW Wrongful Conviction Clinic