SPECIAL PUBLIC DEFENDER SCREENING EVENT AT
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL LIBRARY
A NIGHT OF IMPACT AND INSPIRATION
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Public Defender film screening and listening workshop at the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial Library in Washington, D.C.
On January 9, 2025, Spark Media in partnership with The Pulitzer Center brought together nearly 600 people at the beautifully renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., for a transformative evening centered on the award-winning documentary Public Defender.
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The film tells the compelling story of Heather Shaner, a liberal public defender who took on the polarizing task of representing January 6th rioters. With unwavering compassion, Heather sought to find humanity beyond the headlines, advocating for second chances in a divided nation. The event’s setting—just blocks from the U.S. Capitol where the insurrection unfolded—added gravity to the night. Yet, the tone was one of hope, dialogue and connection, underscoring the library’s role as a civic hub for shared understanding.
A SCREENING TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION
The day began with a special screening for nearly 300 college and graduate students visiting D.C. through a program organized by The Washington Center. As the highlight of a week filled with meetings, cultural visits, and exposure to national leadership, the film screening offered students a rare opportunity to grapple with themes of polarization and justice.
Following the film screening, students engaged in a dynamic Q&A with Heather Shaner and director Andrea Kalin. Questions ranged from navigating political divides to fostering civic engagement, reflecting the students’ deep curiosity and commitment to shaping solutions. To amplify the film's impact, attendees filled out postcards pledging actionable steps inspired by the event. Commitments like “volunteering for library read-aloud programs” or “educating youth on history and social justice” were heartfelt declarations of hope. These postcards will be mailed back to students 100 days into the next administration as a powerful reminder of their promises.
BUILDING EMPATHY THROUGH CONNECTION
In the evening, over 75 attendees joined a transformative workshop led by Connor Holloway from Peoplehood, an organization dedicated to relational health. The session, designed to complement the film’s themes of empathy and dialogue, equipped participants with practical tools for navigating differences and tough conversations. Exercises focused on active listening and constructive dialogue—a vital skill set for bridging the nation’s growing divides.
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ART MEETS ADVOCACY: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as violinist Jessica Hanson performed a stirring piece from the Public Defender soundtrack, setting the tone for the evening’s main event. Pulitzer Center Senior Editor Tom Hundley introduced the documentary to a packed audience. Following Hundley’s remarks, Devin Karembelas, representing WETA, D.C.’s leading public television station, addressed the audience. Karembelas shared WETA’s commitment to amplifying Public Defender's powerful message, emphasizing how the film aligns with public television’s mission to inform, inspire and connect with a wide-ranging audience. She then introduced the film’s writer, producer and director, Andrea Kalin, whose storytelling has sparked dialogue and action nationwide.
After the screening, a distinguished panel moderated by director Andrea Kalin deepened the conversation. Participants included:
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Heather Shaner, the indefatigable public defender at the heart of the film.
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Richard Schiff, Emmy-winning actor and executive producer, who was inspired by the film's themes of bridge-building.
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Kate Woodsome, senior producer and Pulitzer-winning journalist who was part of the Washington Post's team that covered January 6th.
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Marcus Childress, a January 6th Commission investigator speaking publicly for the first time since his work with the Committee.
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Annie Howell, a January 6th defendant featured in the film (joining via Zoom).
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Ethan Oser, producer and director of photography.
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Connor Holloway, relational health facilitator from Peoplehood.
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The panel explored wide-ranging themes—from the personal impacts of polarization to the broader implications of January 6th under the next administration. The conversation was so engaging that it extended well beyond its planned runtime, spilling into animated discussions in the aisles and lobby.
BOOKS FOR JUSTICE: A COMMUNITY EFFORT
Taking inspiration from Heather Shaner’s belief in the transformative power of education, attendees were invited to bring gently used books for donation to prison libraries through DC Books to Prisons. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 books donated and three boxes filled to capacity.
A BLUEPRINT FOR FUTURE IMPACT
This impactful event was a resounding success, inspiring action and providing a model for future collaborations that harness film, dialogue, and civic engagement to bridge divides and spark change!
This program was hosted by:
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