American Trial: The Eric Garner Story (2020)

"American Trial: The Eric Garner Story" is a unique fusion of documentary and courtroom drama that breathes life into a trial that never unfolded. The film takes an unflinching dive into the tragic event of 2014, where NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo was filmed applying the fatal choke-hold on Eric Garner. Instead of employing a cast of actors, the film courageously utilizes real-life prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, including Garner's widow, Esaw Snipes-Garner, and tangible evidence to orchestrate an unscripted mock trial that resonates with stark realism. In this riveting exploration of justice, accountability, and the strained police-civilian relationship, the viewer is placed in the jury's seat, tasked with the heavy decision of Pantaleo's guilt or innocence - a resolution that was denied to the Garner family in reality. The film meticulously examines the racial tensions and accountability issues in New York City and the wider world, using the hypothetical trial as a powerful lens. "American Trial: The Eric Garner Story" is a compelling journey into a haunting reality, interspersing raw emotions and legal intricacies, with the only actor being the man who stands as the defendant, Officer Daniel Pantaleo. This film offers a provocative reimagining of a high-profile case, inviting the audience into an immersive experience as they grapple with the complexities of a verdict that was never reached.

American Trial: The Eric Garner Story is a documentary movie featuring Barack Obama and directed by Roee Messinger.

American Trial: The Eric Garner Story is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Reveel, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy American Trial: The Eric Garner Story on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies and YouTube or rent it on Eventive.