True Convictions

A documentary film series about true convictions — and those who seek them

NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS — A sex advice columnist in India champions comprehensive sex education; female fighters in Kurdistan defend their territory against ISIS; immigrants in Israel overcome hardships while competing for their dream; three exonerated men work together to free innocent prisoners. The stories of these driven men and women fill the screen during the True Convictions documentary film series this spring at MASS MoCA. Inspiring and thought-provoking, the four films of this series offer audiences a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of people from around the world. Stay for a conversation with the filmmakers after each show, beginning Thursday, March 29.

Ask the Sexpert tells the story of Dr. Mahinder Watsa, a 93-year-old sex advice columnist with a cult following who writes for a daily newspaper in Mumbai. Despite sex being a taboo topic in India, Dr. Watsa’s brand of non-moralistic advice and humor emboldens many to write in with their questions. The columnist gains popularity even while a ban on comprehensive sex education in schools is adopted by approximately a third of India’s states. Ask the Sexpert screens on Thursday, March 29, at 7:00pm. Director Vaishali Sinha will be at the screening and will participate in a Q&A following the film.

Gulîstan, Land of Roses travels into the mountains of Kurdistan, where a left-wing military force works to keep its territory safe from the Islamic State. Remarkably, one of the army’s greatest assets is an all-female regimen, whose soldiers invite viewers to take a peek into their daily lives. Gulîstan, Land of Roses screens on Thursday, April 5, at 7:00pm. Join director Zayne Akyol for a Skype Q&A following the screening.

Babylon Dreamers shares the story of a group of immigrants from the former Soviet Union who form a breakdancing troupe in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Israel. Competing in the International Breakdancing Competition in Germany is the goal, but the road is paved with hardship and crisis. Despite adversity, these bold dancers confront reality head-on because desperation is a luxury they cannot afford. Babylon Dreamers screens on Thursday, April 12, at 7:00pm. Join director Roman Shumunov for a post-screening Q&A via Skype.

In True Conviction, the eponymous film in the four-part series, three exonerated men band together and form a detective agency with the goal of freeing other wrongfully convicted people. This drama offers incredible insight into both their personal struggles and the broken criminal justice system. True Conviction screens on Thursday, April 19, at 7:00pm. Director Jamie Meltzer will be at MASS MoCA for a Q&A following the screening.

The four installments of True Convictions screen in MASS MoCA’s Club B10 on March 29, April 5, April 12, and April 19 at 7:00pm. A conversation with the filmmakers follows each show. Popcorn, beer, soft drinks, and other snacks will be available for purchase before and during the film. Tickets are $5 for students and members, $9 for not-yet-members. Catch the whole series: buy tickets for three films and get the fourth film free. Tickets for all events are available through the MASS MoCA box office located on Marshall Street in North Adams, open 11am – 5pm Wednesdays through Mondays; closed Tuesdays. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during box office hours or purchased online at massmoca.org.

Images
High-resolution images of MASS MoCA’s spring 2018 events are available through this link: bit.ly/WinterSpring2018.

About MASS MoCA
MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest (and largest) centers for making, displaying, and enjoying today’s most important art, music, dance, theater, film, and video. MASS MoCA’s 250,000 sq. ft. of gallery space includes partnerships with Laurie Anderson, the Louise Bourgeois Trust, Jenny Holzer, Anselm Kiefer with the Hall Art Foundation, Sol LeWitt, and James Turrell.

Gallery admission is $20 for adults, $18 for veterans and seniors, $12 for students, $8 for children 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under. Members are admitted free year-round. The Hall Art Foundation’s Anselm Kiefer exhibition is seasonal and will reopen on May 26, 2018. For additional information: 413.662.2111 x1 or visit massmoca.org.

Hours
MASS MoCA is open from 11am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays through June 22, but will be open on Tuesday, February 20. From June 23 through September 3, MASS MoCA galleries are open seven days a week — from 10am to 6pm Sundays through Wednesdays and from 10am to 7pm Thursdays through Saturdays.

Download the True Convictions press release here.