Dawn Porter: Gideon’s Army

Gideon’s Army is an award winning documentary created by lawyer turned filmmaker Dawn Porter. This film focuses on the judicial system and shows the perspective of public defenders, and the struggle that they go through everyday simply to do their job. This film is very eye opening as it exposes some of the flaws in America’s justice system, promising an adequate defense to all of those who can’t afford it, but not delivering it. The acclaim that this film has received is well deserved as it provides an unbiased, thought provoking look into a political arena that needs more attention.

Trailer:

Questions for Dawn Porter:

1. Without a background in film making, did you feel equipped to make this first feature film?

2. Did you hit any roadblocks When going through the process of making this film?

3. Can you offer any suggestions or solutions to this problem that is a force of public defenders that is mainly lacking in numbers?