FilmRise, a film and TV distribution company and streaming network, has acquired the theatrical and digital rights to the social justice documentary, “The State of Texas vs. Melissa.” “Sabrina Van Tassel’s powerful documentary raises important questions about our criminal justice system and how it treats vulnerable members of our society,” CEO of FilmRise, Danny Fisher said. “We are proud to add this film to our diverse library of documentaries about our criminal justice system.”
The deal covers rights in the North American, UK, and Irish regions. It was negotiated by Max Einhorn, VP of Acquisitions at FilmRise, and Sabrina Van Tassel and Philippe Bourbon, producers.
The documentary premiered at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim comments, like“With care and great skill, French-American documentary-maker Sabrina Van Tassel lifts the veil on the miscarriage of justice which led to Melissa Lucio to be placed on Texas’ death row,” by Cineuropa, and “Sabrina Van Tassel’s documentary 'The State of Texas vs. Melissa,' not only gives the titular death row inmate the humane treatment she originally deserved but shines a light on a problem with the justice system at large” from Award Circuit.
“The State of Texas vs. Melissa” examines the life and trials of Melissa Lucio, the first Hispanic woman in Texas sentenced to death row. No one ever saw her act violent towards any of her other 13 children, but she was still blamed and charged with the abuse and subsequent death of her two-year-old daughter. She was on death row for over ten years before her conviction was overturned, but the State ultimately appealed the ruling. Set South Texan Latino community, the film breaks down her abusive childhood and adult life, filled by poverty and prejudice.