PRESUNTO CULPABLE (PRESUMED GUILTY)/AFS

This is a well made documentary about the horrendous judicial system in Mexico that presumes guilt rather than innocence.  It was presented by AFS at the Ritz this evening and during the year at SXSW.  We saw it both times and were equally impressed. The movie follows two Mexican lawyers who are PhD students at UC Berkeley who take on the case of a street vendor wrongfully accused of murder.  There is a closeness and warmth between defendant and lawyers which is also evident when the  defendant confronts his accusers, the police and eyewitness in what looks like a NYC welfare office.  The defendant is amazingly engaging as a subject as are his supporters (all women).  He's a talented musician, songwriter and dancer as well.  Once again Chale Nafus gave us good background info in a print-out.