Part of First Look 2018
Sunday, January 7, 2018, 4:00 p.m.
Museum of the Moving Image - Bartos Screening Room

With director Stephanie Wang-Breal in conversation with Tabitha Jackson, Director, Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program

An inaugural event co-presented with Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program, this is a special advance look at a feature-length artistic work currently in post production. We kindly ask that attendees refrain from commenting on social media or mentioning the film in press coverage. 

Dir. Stephanie Wang-Breal. 2017. 94 mins. Digital projection. Produced by Carrie Weprin. Photographed by Erik Shirai. Edited by Jonathan Oppenheim. Blowin' Up takes us inside the walls of an experimental courtroom in Queens, New York, that attempts to redress the way women and young girls arrested for prostitution are shuffled through the criminal justice system. With unparalleled access to the workings of the court, from the presiding judge to attorneys and advocates, Blowin’ Up also captures what it feels like to go through these criminal proceedings as a female defendant, the overwhelming majority of whom are undocumented Asian immigrants, black, Latina and transgender youth. As the film unfolds, we hear directly from these women, in their own words, and we begin to understand the complex scenarios that bring them into the courtroom. A decidedly people-focused film, Blowin’ Up exposes us to how individuals can work together to create more humane ways to navigate an inhumane criminal justice system and allows us to witness this unique environment as an unfiltered, immersive experience. Work in Progress.

This event is for Museum members at the Director's level and above, and invited guests. Festival passes may not be used to redeem tickets.

Members will receive email notification with RSVP instructions, or may contact [email protected]. For information about becoming a member and to join online, please click here.