In this country, people with criminal records are regularly used in fear-mongering news reports or political catchphrases to sway the general public’s opinion about crime, violence and public safety.

It’s no surprise, then, that many find it hard to accept those who’ve spent time behind bars as full human beings. But a criminal conviction doesn’t negate a person’s need to learn, love, play with their kids and practice religious ceremonies. Hell, some folks who’ve been incarcerated even find joy in painting images of hummingbirds.

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, San Francisco’s Roxie Theater hosts Defender: Off The Record, a series of films about three people who’ve seen the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.

Accompanying the films is a discussion with filmmaker, organizer and rapper Boots

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