This rough-hewn documentary laments the disproportionate number of young African-American men in conflict with the law. The son of Civil Rights activist James Forman, Washington DC public defender James Jr., continues the family tradition of social activism by guaranteeing the constitutional right of "innocent until proven guilty" for black offenders unable to afford legal counsel. Yet, as James observes, "The victory is only so sweet... because they might get into trouble again." Many ex-offenders are not allowed back into the school system which could provide them with the education to break the vicious cycle of under-privilege and crime. In an attempt to overcome this, James co-founded the alternative high school 'See First'. By turns inspiring and frustrating, James' work as a lawyer and an educator shows how one can make a difference on a local level. Natalie Gravenor

US criminal justice on trial

Nearly 30 per cent of African-American males are in prison or have had a brush with the law. These statistics are the point of departure for Innocent Until Proven Guilty, a riveting examination of the US criminal justice system. The Panorama selection, directed by Kirsten Johnson, has its final screening today.

Johnson's camera follows the efforts of a crusading public defender in his attempt to stem the tide of incarceration. Besides acting as a lawyer for his mostly indigent clients, James Foreman, Jr - son and namesake of the legendary civil rights leader - has also started a school for juvenile offenders in Washington DC.

"James and I went to college together," says Johnson. "I have always been impressed with his commitment and thought it was important that people be made aware of the terrible situation confronting black men."

"It was a blood, sweat and tears job," says producer Julia Pimsleur, who formed Big Mouth Productions two years ago with her partner Katy Chevigny to produce the doc. "We started filming with literally no money."

But soon grants came in from several foundations, including Soros and Ford.

"We made the film as a protest," adds Pimsleur. "This is something we care deeply about." Owen Levy