Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
Family Before Tragedy
Introduction to the Ford family and their life before the murder of Harvey Walker.
Key Events
-
Family Introduction — Introduction to the Ford family before the tragedy Characters: Himself (Yance Ford), Herself (Barbara Dunmore Ford), Himself (Harvey Walker), Herself (Lauren Ford)
Location: Ford Family Home
-
Harvey's Murder — Harvey Walker is murdered by Kevin Myers Characters: Himself (Harvey Walker), Himself (Kevin Myers)
Location: Workplace
Murder and Aftermath
The violent death of Harvey Walker and the immediate impact on his family.
Key Events
-
Family Grief — Family processes the loss of Harvey Characters: Herself (Barbara Dunmore Ford), Himself (Yance Ford), Herself (Lauren Ford)
Location: Ford Family Home
-
Investigation Begins — Legal professionals begin investigating the murder Characters: Himself (David Breen), Himself (Ed Boyar)
Location: Police Station
Failed Justice
The investigation, trial, and acquittal of Harvey's killer, exposing systemic failures.
Key Events
-
Trial Proceedings — The trial of Kevin Myers for Harvey's murder Characters: Himself (Kevin Myers), Himself (David Breen), Himself (Ed Boyar)
Location: Courtroom
-
Acquittal — Kevin Myers is acquitted of all charges Characters: Himself (Kevin Myers), Himself (David Breen), Himself (Ed Boyar)
Location: Courtroom
Documentary Journey
Yance Ford's decision to document the case and examine racial bias in the justice system.
Key Events
-
Family Reaction — Family's response to the acquittal Characters: Herself (Barbara Dunmore Ford), Himself (Yance Ford), Herself (Lauren Ford)
Location: Ford Family Home
-
Documentary Decision — Yance decides to make a documentary about the case Characters: Himself (Yance Ford)
Location: Studio
-
Racial Bias Examination — Analysis of racial bias in the justice system Characters: Himself (Yance Ford), Himself (David Breen), Himself (Ed Boyar)
Location: Legal Office
Reckoning and Hope
Confronting the past and calling for change in the face of racial injustice.
Key Events
-
Racial Bias Examination — Analysis of racial bias in the justice system Characters: Himself (Yance Ford), Himself (David Breen), Himself (Ed Boyar)
Location: Legal Office
-
Crime Scene Revisit — Return to the place where Harvey was murdered Characters: Himself (Yance Ford), Himself (Kevin Myers)
Location: Workplace
-
Call to Action — Final call for racial justice reform Characters: Himself (Yance Ford), Herself (Barbara Dunmore Ford), Herself (Lauren Ford)
Location: Community Center
Examining the violent death of the filmmaker’s brother and the judicial system that allowed his killer to go free, this documentary interrogates murderous fear and racialized perception, and re-imagines the wreckage in catastrophe’s wake, challenging us to change.
