The Journey of Lesra Martin

200245 min 50 secFilm: Documentary

G

Direction: Cheryl Foggo

Production: Selwyn JacobGraydon McCrea

Script: Cheryl Foggo

Lesra Martin was poor, illiterate and struggling on the violent streets of Brooklyn when a chance encounter with a group of Canadians shattered the confines of his life. Pulled from the chaos of the inner city and given a fresh start in Canada, Lesra became a hero when he helped to bring justice to wrongfully imprisoned American boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. Finding the courage to change his own life, today Lesra is a lawyer and motivational speaker on the world stage.

Delving into the intensely personal story beneath the fame, this film brings together intimate interviews with Lesra, his family and friends. From his home in British Columbia to a poignant return to the streets of his childhood, Lesra reflects with humour and grace on the events that altered his life. He also grieves for family still consumed by the unforgiving ghetto, while inspiring viewers to find their own strength in adversity.

Subject categories


  • Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism > African OriginsSocial Problems Since 1970
  • Families > Family LifeNontraditional FamiliesPoverty
  • Law and Crime > Portraits
  • Social Issues > PovertySocial Problems
  • Diversity > Black Studies
  • Social Studies > Law

Credits


director
Cheryl Foggo
writer
Cheryl Foggo
producer
Selwyn Jacob
editor
Lara Mazur
Don Paonessa
cinematographer
Ali Kazimi
Mark Mackay
Rudolf Kovanic
composer
Gordon Durity
sound supervisor
Gael MacLean
location sound
Eric Davies
Michael Kennedy
Caleb A. Mose
production manager
Penny Wheelwright
Nadine Tsehaie Makonnen
Claire Prieto
story consultant
Andrew Gardner
narrator
Claire Riley
voice
Neil Dennis
production coordinator
Leslyn Johnson
camera assistant
Adriano Cavina
Jackie Ferrier
Onno Weeda
Mark Willis
editing assistant
R. Neil Thompson
additional location sound
Bruce Cameron
Jonathan Ritchie
research
Leslyn Johnson
Glace W. Lawrence
archival research
Elizabeth Klinck
Paula Sawadsky
stills photography
Rosamond Norbury
production manager trainee
Claire Riley
driver
Sidney Dukes
participant
Lesra Martin
Cheryl Martin
Loriel Martin
Leland Martin
Rubin Carter
Terry Swinton
Sam Chaiton
Mabel Alexander
Pearline Norman
dialogue editor
Stephen Cheung
sound effects editor
Ian Emberton
re-recording mixer
David S. Horner
Ian Emberton
sound services
Post Modern Sound
video post production services
Rainmaker Digital Pictures
production clerk
Christine Sears
producer's assistant
Christopher Adkins
production supervisor
Kathryn Lynch
program administrator
Bruce Hagerman
executive producer
Graydon McCrea

Awards


  • Chris Statuette - Category: Education & Information International Film and Video Festival