Shot in Colquitt, Georgia at the Southwest Film Commission's Jokara-Micheaux Film, Television, and Music Production Studio, THE LENA BAKER STORY recounts the tragic true story of the first and only woman sentenced to die in the electric chair in the state of Georgia. Against her will, African American housekeeper, Lena Baker (Tichina Arnold, searing and vivid) engages in a complicated and controversial affair with Eliot Arthur (Peter Coyote), the father of her white employer (Chris Burns). Warned to stay away from the abusive drunkard by both her mother (Beverly Todd) and the town sheriff (Michael Rooker in a subtle, and complex performance), Baker gives into Arthur's advances in a misguided attempt to protect her family. When she finally has enough, Lena attempts to break away. Arthur threatens her with a gun and a shocking confrontation ensues leaving Baker facing a murder wrap in the Jim Crow era south, at the mercy of a jury of twelve white men.

In 2005, Baker was posthumously pardoned, undoing sixty years later, the damage done in a speedy six hour trial. Inspired by the 1998 Dr. Lena Bond Phillips' book credited with re-opening the case, this film changes the names of all the major players, with the exception of Lena Baker.

This debut feature film from writer, director and producer Ralph Wilcox is a work of tremendous promise, marking the arrival of another major force to the growing roster of Georgia-based powerhouse producers. Cast and crew will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

After the post-screening join us for an Opening Night celebration at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (Home of the Atlanta Film Festival Offices)

Q&A with:
Ralph Wilcox, Director
Tichina Arnold, Actor
Beverly Todd, Actor
Michael Rooker, Actor
Chris Burns, Actor