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A new film, based on real life, tells the story of a courageous young African American woman who became a victim of the “War on Drugs,” and decided to fight back. American Violet, opening in theaters this Friday, is based on the experiences of Regina Kelly, a 24-year-old single mother struggling to support her four daughters on a waitress salary and welfare in Hearne, Texas. In 2000, Kelly was arrested and accused of selling crack in a school zone and was offered a choice to either plead guilty with 10 years probation or face decades in prison. Maintaining her innocence, Regina Kelly stood up to the injustice to clear her name with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union. Her story, captured in an NPR news report, became the inspiration for American Violet. The film closely follows Kelly’s story, with newcomer Nicole Beharie playing the lead role of a woman named Dee Roberts, a single mother of four who was unjustly arrested during the 2000 presidential elections. The cast includes Alfre Woodard playing Dee’s mother, and rapper Xzibit in the role of her ex-husband. American Violet, produced and written by Bill Haney and directed by Tim Disney, is the story of one woman’s courage to stand-up against a justice system that many contend is unjust and racist.

GUEST: Tim Disney, director of American Violet.

For more information, visit www.americanviolet.com, and www.reginakelly.com.