RUNNING THE LINE

Napa Valley Film Festival
Pitch Panel Contest

RUNNING THE LINE
by Schyleen Qualls
(based on my soon-to-be-released book)

GENRE
Drama/Film

LOG LINE
In 1919 during a bitter land dispute, a wealthy black man kills a wealthy white Klansman in Mississippi. Facing certain death, in a racially torn community, he searches for people to support him. He finds three courageous white lawyers who risk their careers to help save his life.

PITCH
This is the true story of the most sensational murder trial in twentieth century Mississippi. In 1919, Ben Ingram, an affluent black farmer, embroiled in a land dispute, kills his wealthy white neighbor (a member of the Klan) in self-defense. As the Klan mobilizes to lynch Ben, hundreds of other white and black people, who know and love Ben, race to his farm, armed to the hilt, and manage to protect him and keep the Klan at bay. After Ben is arrested and charged with murder, his best friend, a white Southern aristocrat, convinces the Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee to transfer Ben to a Memphis jail where he will be safe until the trial begins in Mississippi. Risking their reputations, three courageous white lawyers defend Ben as he faces an all-white, all-male jury and powerful prosecutors determined to hang him. The jury shocks everyone with a miraculous “Not Guilty” verdict.

schyleenqualls@gmail.com
www.arkeon.media
415.830.2977