TITLE: As We Speak
Section: U.S. Documentary Competition
Director: J.M. Harper
Logline: Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad — revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.
Distributor: Paramount+
Panelists: J.M. Harper (director); Kemba (rapper/participant); Erik Nielson (author/participant)
First screening: Monday, Jan. 22
Key quotes: “I knew somewhat of the issue, somewhat of the fact that the words I wrote could led me into a situation that was bigger than me, but it almost feels unbelievable. And so I was excited to talk to people that really went through it to get the emotional significance of it all and to really see — I don’t use this phrase lightly — but how far the rabbit hole goes. It’s a lot deeper than people realize and a lot more nuanced.” – Kemba
J.M. Harper, Erik Nielson and Kemba at the Deadline Portrait Studio during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2024 in Park City, Utah.
Michael Buckner/Deadline
“This is something I’ve been researching for more than a decade now, and the primary finding is that… rap lyrics are being weaponized and criminalized in the criminal justice system in a way that no other fictional form, musical or otherwise, is being targeted. And I work on these cases. I’ve probably worked in some capacity on over a hundred. I testify in trials across the country trying to educate juries because the stakes are high. Not only are people being put behind bars, but in some cases people are facing the death penalty in part because their lyrics were used against them. And so this is something that is really important to me and why I’m really, really excited that this film is going to help spread the word.” — Erik Nielson
“Making the documentary gave me a perspective. I was learning that for prosecutors, it’s not a matter of justice, it’s a matter of a win or a loss. Because their job, in our criminal justice system, is to prosecute and to get a conviction and by any means necessary.” – J.M. Harper
The Deadline Studio at Sundance ran from January 19-22 at 608 Main Street, when the cast and creatives behind the best and buzziest titles in this year’s lineup joined Deadline’s festival team to discuss their movies and the paths they took to get to Park City.
Thank you to our sponsors McGee & Co., Final Draft, Portrait Creative Network, and Courser.