Dir. NICOLE HORANYI
Denmark, 2015
90 minutes, Color
Official website
In Person: Subject Kimberly Motley
Kimberly Motley doesn’t have to be in Afghanistan, but since 2008 this smart and fearless American defense attorney has been the only foreigner licensed to litigate in that country’s courts. Despite threats to her life, she navigates the new constitutionally established justice system as it intersects (often randomly) with the old, informal one and with Sharia law to gain freedom for clients who range from child brides to accused drug smugglers. Motley went over for the money, but then it became “something else.” Just what keeps her facing down corruption in an increasingly volatile Kabul, away from her North Carolina suburb and the family she loves, we’re not exactly privy to. Motley keeps compassion well hidden behind a kind of badass bravado. “We’re the Justice League,” she tells her frightened assistant. When Afghanistan becomes unlivable Motley will leave, and we watch her explore possibilities in Uganda.—Judy Bloch
In English and Pushto with English subtitles
For more information on Motley’s Law.
New York Times profile on subject Kim Motley
Additional screening on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 6:30pm
Landmark’s E Street Cinema
(entrance is on E St between 10th and 11th St)
Take Metro Red, Orange, or Blue Line to Metro Center. 3 hours of reduced-rate parking available in adjacent garage with validation. Monday – Friday after 6:00 PM and anytime on weekends.
For more information on Filmfest DC. To view the Filmfest DC catalog