Red Emma’s

2640docs proudly presents the Baltimore premiere of the documentary The Mind of Mark DefriestWhen a legendary escape artist comes up for parole after more than 30 years behind bars, a chance for freedom must be weighed against his infamous past. Once known as Houdini for his multiple and improbable jailbreaks, Mark DeFriest was condemned to Florida’s worst prison after a lone psychiatrist in a minority opinion declared that he was faking mental illness. When this legendary escape artist comes up for parole after more than 30 years behind bars, including 26 in solitary confinement, Mark’s remaining supporters forge an unlikely alliance to argue for his freedom. Along the way, they uncover lingering questions about whether Mark should have even been sent to prison, yet face the daunting task of explaining why a notorious troublemaker deserves to go free.Doors will open at 6:30pm for an informal reception. The film screens at 7PM and will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Judge Joseph Murphy, Dr. Stephen Siebert, Elizabeth Zebron RN BSN, and director Gabriel London (via Skype).$5-10 sliding scale suggested donation. Refreshments available.THE MIND OF MARK DEFRIEST | USA | ENGLISH | 93MINS | 2014