“Free Joan Little”: New Film on Landmark 1975 Murder Acquittal of Woman Sexually Assaulted by Prison Guard

The new documentary Free Joan Little chronicles the landmark case of the first woman in U.S. history to be acquitted on the grounds of self-defense against sexual violence. Joan Little's 1975 murder trial inspired a national campaign for racial justice, prisoner's rights, and survivors' rights to self-defense. Director Yoruba Richen calls the movement to free Little a cry for justice" and Little's trial testimony about her assault by a prison guard a radical act" that helped expose the scourge of violence and abuse in jails and in prisons." Free Joan Little premieres this week at the DOC NYC Film Festival.