In 2000, 24-year-old waitress and single mother Regina Kelly was wrongfully arrested on drug distribution charges in Hearne, Texas, and pressured to plead guilty despite the lack of evidence. Kelly fought the charges and won, then with the ACLU sued the South Central Texas Regional Narcotics Task Force for targeting innocent, poor, black people to drive up conviction totals and secure federal anti-drug funds.
American Violet, the new drama based on Kelly’s story, has a free preview screening Tuesday in advance of its Friday relesae. Nicole Beharie leads a cast that features Michael O’Keefe, Alfre Woodard, Charles S. Dutton, Tim Blake Nelson, Will Patton and Xzibit. The film premiered in March at the South by Southwest Film Festival. The screening is Tuesday at 7 PM at Landmark’s Century Centre, 2828 N. Clark St. Screenings are overbooked to ensure capacity. Arrive early for a seat.