Netflix has ordered the development of a criminal justice focused documentary about Cyntoia Brown’s fight for freedom.
Brown is a 31-year-old Black woman who has been fighting for her freedom since she was a teenager. The Tennessee woman entered the prison system at the age of sixteen after she was convicted of murdering Johnny Michael Allen. Brown argues that Allen paid $150 to have sex with her, but she feared for her life during the encounter. In response, she felt she had no other choice, but to shoot him. Prosecutors argued that she intended to murder Allen and rob him. Eventually, Brown was convicted and charged as an adult. She was sentenced to 51-years-to-life.
After serving fifteen years, Brown was granted clemency thanks to the efforts and public support from Viola Davis and many others. As a result, she will be released in August.
The documentary about Brown’s fight for freedom will be directed by Daniel H. Birman. Previously, Birman worked on a feature for PBS called Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story. Susy Garciasalas Barkley will act as a producer and Megan Chao will act as a supervising producer.
The untitled documentary will follow Brown’s story through the time of her release this summer. Netflix has not revealed a release date yet.
