Free Film Event: Exoneration is a Marathon. Release is Just the Starting Line

The Pruno Fund invites you to join us for a special afternoon of documentary film and conversation exploring what happens after incarceration - and the extraordinary challenges facing people who must rebuild their lives after years taken from them.

The program will feature two powerful short films: The Second Life of Freddie Nole follows a formerly incarcerated man and his wife as they meet people at the prison gates on the day of their release, offering clothing, a phone, a meal, and something equally important: dignity and human connection. Innocence Should Be Enough shares the stories of three people who were wrongfully convicted and eventually exonerated, revealing the profound challenges they face as they attempt to rebuild their lives.

Following the films, guests will hear directly from exonerees and advocates during a panel discussion and audience Q&A, followed by a reception. We anticipate bringing together members of Chicago's legal, business, philanthropic, civic, and educational communities for an important conversation about justice - and our collective responsibility after freedom is finally won.

This event is free and open to our invited guests. In lieu of admission, we encourage a donation to The Pruno Fund. Every gift helps provide wrongfully convicted individuals with the financial assistance, resources, training, and community they need to move forward and rebuild.