In 1984, nihilistic Death Row inmate Joe Giarratano helps plan the largest mass escape from death row in US history. Along the way, with the help of a relentless paralegal he discovers an unexpected path to purpose and redemption. Based on a true story.
MECKLENBURG: In 1984 Joe Giarratano is on death row for a double-murder he confessed to but can't remember due to heavy drug use. Wracked by guilt and with nothing to lose, Joe joins an escape plan he views as a suicide mission.The breakout plan is audacious: Joe and five other death row inmates armed with knives will storm the unit, take the guards hostage, then walk out in their uniforms. Over months, they build the weapons, gather radio codes, learn security protocols, and figure out the block’s state-of-the-art control panel – all while under constant surveillance. Meanwhile MARIE DEANS, a fiercely determined paralegal, takes an interest in Joe’s case. She sees in his remorse a sign there is good in him. Joe uses Marie at first, but her demands for accountability and her unyielding faith in him gradually unlock Joe's humanity. He begins advocating for fellow inmates’ legal rights, and ensures that the breakout plan avoids bloodshed. As Joe’s bond with Marie deepens, the escape plan races to its conclusion. On the day of the breakout, things turn violent despite Joe’s efforts. His two identities collide: one seeking freedom at any cost, the other redemption. Based on a true story.
Claudia Myers has won dozens of awards for her work and was named one of “10 Filmmakers to Watch in 2015” by Independent Magazine. Recently Claudia wrote and directed ABOVE THE SHADOWS, a supernatural drama starring Olivia Thirlby, Alan Ritchson, Jim Gaffigan and Megan Fox. The film was released theatrically by Gravitas Ventures and is now widely available on demand. Prior to this, Claudia wrote, directed and produced the drama FORT BLISS starring Michelle Monaghan and Ron Livingston. The film won several festival awards and Monaghan was shortlisted by Variety, Deadline, Hollywood Reporter as an Academy Award contender for Best Actress. Top critics for The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer both cited Fort Bliss among the best films of 2014. Prior to this, Claudia wrote and directed KETTLE OF FISH starring Mathew Modine and Gina Gershon, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and the short film BUDDY & GRACE, which premiered at Sundance. As a screenwriter, Claudia has won several awards and is an alumna of the Hamptons Screenwriters Lab. Claudia studied literature at Yale then received her MFA in film at Columbia University. She currently teaches in the film program at American University in Washington, DC and is working on her next feature, MECKLENBURG, the true story of the largest mass escape from death row in US history.
