At the Death House Door

Full Frame Inspiration Award 2008

NEW DOCS

For fifteen years Rev. Carroll Pickett served as death house chaplain to the Walls prison unit in Huntsville, Texas. There he presided over ninety-five executions. After each execution, Pickett would make an audiotape documenting his involvement with the victim and the distress he felt over his own role in the death chamber. He was particularly affected by the execution of Carlos de Luna, whom he firmly believed to be innocent; evidence later turned up by two reporters from The Chicago Tribune suggests he was correct. A stirring montage of photographs, sound, and raw emotion, the film offers an unflinchingly original commentary on the death penalty.  ST

Directors

Steve James, Peter Gilbert

Producers

Peter Gilbert, Steve James

Executive Producers

Gordon Quinn, Alison Palmer Bourke

Associate Producer

Emily Hart

Release Year

2008

Festival Year

2008

Country

United States

Run Time

96 minutes