THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE

This haunting documentary fills in the social and racial context that explains how a horrific attack on a white female jogger led to a rush to judgment by the police; to falsely accused teenage boys, all African American; to coerced confessions and wrongful convictions despite evidence that did not add up; and all fueled by the media’s clamor for sensationalism. Archival, location, and confession footage combine with interviews from the boys, their families, reporters, and experts to inspire discussion about the factors that allowed such a gross miscarriage of justice. Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon.