Experiencing Interruptions?

42 Years For Nothing

After serving 38 years in prison for the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl, David Bryant maintained his innocence. With the help of a nonprofit organization, he is released and sent home, but nothing could prepare him for what would happen next.

  • Lana Adams
    Director
    Politics As Usual, The Singles Rant
  • Lana Adams
    Writer
    Politics As Usual, The Singles Rant
  • Lana Adams
    Producer
    Politics As Usual, The Singles Rant
  • Erica Clark
    Producer
  • David Bryant
    Key Cast
    "David Bryant"
  • Kyle Chattam
    Director Of Photography
  • Nick Chattam
    Animation
  • Chuck Marcus
    Unit Still Photographer
  • Dominique Luis
    Composer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature, Short
  • Runtime:
    40 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 7, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Black Magic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Lana Adams

Lana Adams is an award-winning writer, filmmaker, author, and content creator from Philadelphia, PA. She is passionate about creating communities for people of color where they can feel supported, empowered, and able to step into their divine purpose.

In addition to her many personal projects designed to elevate and inform people of color, Lana has worked for companies like Black Girls Rock!, theGrio, and Netflix’s Strong Black Lead. When she isn't working on new film projects, or her wealth mindset platform, Choqlit, you can find her enjoying a good book or film, or eating some good food!

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

David Bryant’s story is not just one of wrongful imprisonment—it’s a haunting reflection of systemic failures, resilience, and the fight for truth. When I first encountered his journey, I was struck by the immense tragedy of a young man’s life stolen by a flawed system, but even more so by the indomitable spirit he maintained throughout decades of injustice.

This film is not merely about exoneration; it’s about the human cost of wrongful convictions. It’s about exploring the ripple effects that one false accusation can have—not just on David himself, but on his family, his community, and the people who fought for his freedom. At its heart, this is a story about survival, hope, and the complex process of healing even after justice is served.

Visually, I want to contrast the oppressive, bleak environment of incarceration with the light and warmth of freedom—however fleeting it may be. The narrative structure will mirror the ebb and flow of David’s hope: from the crushing despair of wrongful conviction to the elation of release, followed by the gut-wrenching return to prison. This cycle, repeated over decades, is central to understanding the psychological toll that David endured.

Yet beyond the personal, this film serves as a wake-up call about the injustices embedded within our legal system, particularly for marginalized communities. David’s story is a testament to the enduring power of truth, but it’s also a reminder that freedom is not guaranteed—it’s fought for, often against overwhelming odds.

Through this film, I aim to give David the voice that was stolen from him for 42 years, while also shining a light on the countless others who remain silenced by similar injustices. This is not just his story; it’s the story of all those who have been wrongfully condemned and those who refuse to let their stories be forgotten.