Be a Part of the Conversation: Free Screening of PARDON ME Documentary

The Pardon Project of York County (PPYC), in collaboration with its community partners, will present an exclusive screening of the documentary film PARDON ME on October 4, 2023, at the Capitol Theatre, 50 North George Street, York, PA 17401. Doors open at 5:00 pm and the film begins at 6:00 pm, with a panel discussion moderated by York County District Attorney David Sunday immediately following. Panelists include Shuja Moore—filmmaker, The Honorable William R. Carpenter, Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, David Bryant – pardon recipient, Laurie Besden, Esq.—pardon recipient, DaShawn Harrison—pardon fellow, and C. Reginald “Reggie” Johnson, Esq.—pardon recipient.

Light refreshments will be available prior to the film. This event is free, but attendees must register in advance at https://yorkpabar.ticketleap.com/pardonmeyork/. Tickets will be required for admission to the theatre.

Directed and produced by Shuja Moore, the documentary PARDON ME sheds light on the transformative power of pardons, not only providing individuals with the chance to lead fulfilling lives but also positively impacting lower-income communities. The film narrates the compelling stories of two individuals navigating the pardon process in Pennsylvania, with one of them having already received a pardon. It also includes insightful interviews with thought leaders such as Jeff Hornstein, head of The Economy League, and Brandon Flood, former Secretary of the PA Board of Pardons.

Shuja Moore, "remodeled citizen" and the filmmaker behind PARDON ME, is most known for his web series Walkies—a docuseries that highlights the transformation stories of formerly incarcerated individuals. Through filmmaking and his nonprofit organization Do Moore Good, Shuja aims to promote the narrative of justice in media and inspire community rebuilding.

This invaluable opportunity has been made possible through the support and collaboration of our sponsors the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, the York County Bar Foundation, The Powder Mill Foundation, Impact Academy, Fresh Start Law, the Office of the District Attorney of York County and York County Community Foundation; and community partners: The Pardon Project of York County, the York County Bar Association and Bar Foundation, The Program, “It’s About Change”, the York County Clerk of Courts, the York County Economic Alliance, and the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity.

The Pardon Project of York County was established in 2022 through the guidance of the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, uniting various government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders committed to providing enhanced access and information about pardons to York County residents. A pardon is a powerful tool for people who deserve a second chance. PPYC County was created to help individuals with a criminal record in our community move forward with their lives. To learn more about PPYC, applying for a pardon, or to volunteer as a Pardon Coach, visit theprogramitsaboutchange.org/pardons.