Netflix Set to Make Documentary on Cyntoia Brown
The Hollywood Reporter reported last week that streaming giant Netflix has acquired the rights to create a documentary on Cyntoia Brown, whose case and subsequent fight for clemency has helped ignite a new push for criminal justice reform. The film will be headed by Daniel H. Birman, the man behind a PBS documentary on Brown’s case back in 2011.
Here’s a refresher for you: Brown, a sex trafficking victim, was 16 years old when she was sentenced to 51 years to life in prison for the murder of Johnny Michael Allen, who was attempting to solicit sex from her. During her decade-long stay, Brown obtained her G.E.D. with a 4.0 GPA and recently obtained her bachelor’s degree.
After several attempts to gain parole, Brown was granted clemency by outgoing Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam this past January. She is set to be released from prison on August 7. The release will be covered in the documentary.