Definition
Procession is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Robert Greene and Richard Ladkani that chronicles the experiences of survivors of Catholic clergy sexual abuse and their pursuit of justice through the legal system.
Overview
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2021, where it received the Documentary Grand Jury Prize. It follows five survivors—Kathy, Mark, John, Mary, and Chris—as they navigate the complexities of filing lawsuits against the Catholic Church and confronting the trauma inflicted upon them. The narrative interweaves personal testimonies, courtroom footage, and dramatized reenactments to illustrate both the emotional and procedural dimensions of the survivors' journeys. Procession was later released in limited theatrical venues and made available on streaming platforms, garnering critical acclaim for its empathetic storytelling and investigative depth.
Etymology/Origin
The title Procession references the legal process of filing and pursuing civil claims, as well as the broader metaphorical procession of survivors moving forward from trauma toward healing and accountability.
Characteristics
- Genre: Documentary, legal drama.
- Directors: Robert Greene (known for Paris Is Burning) and Richard Ladkani.
- Cinematography: Utilizes a blend of observational footage, intimate interviews, and stylized reenactments performed by actors to visualize the survivors’ memories.
- Narrative Structure: The film is organized around each survivor’s case, providing chronological insight into the stages of legal preparation, courtroom proceedings, and post-trial reflections.
- Themes: Institutional abuse, survivor resilience, the intersection of faith and injustice, and the challenges of the civil litigation system.
- Reception: Holds a high approval rating on major review aggregators, with critics praising its compassionate approach and the directors’ ability to balance investigative rigor with personal storytelling. The film received several awards, including the Documentary Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and nominations for the Independent Spirit Awards.
- Impact: Procession contributed to public discourse on clergy sexual abuse, influencing policy discussions and aiding advocacy groups in raising awareness of survivors’ legal battles.
Related Topics
- Documentaries on sexual abuse (e.g., Spotlight, The Keepers)
- Catholic Church sexual abuse scandals
- Legal processes involving civil claims against religious institutions
- Survivor advocacy and support networks
- Documentary filmmaking techniques involving reenactments.