HOME TRUTH

2018, Dir: April Hayes & Katia Maguire

Made over the course of ten years, HOME TRUTH tells the story of groundbreaking women’s rights and human rights activist Jessica Lenahan, and her fight to strengthen the rights of domestic violence victims everywhere. In 1999, Colorado mother Jessica Gonzales experiences every parent’s worst nightmare when her three young daughters are killed after being abducted by their father in violation of a domestic violence restraining order. Devastated, Jessica files a lawsuit against the police, claiming they did not adequately enforce her restraining order despite her repeated calls for help that night. Determined to make sure her daughters did not die in vain, Jessica pursues her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and an international human rights tribunal, seeking to strengthen legal rights for domestic violence victims. Meanwhile, her relationship with her one-surviving child, her son Jessie, suffers, as he struggles with the tragedy in his own way. Filmed over the course of nine years, HOME TRUTH chronicles one family’s pursuit of justice, shedding light on how our society responds to domestic violence and how the trauma from domestic violence tragedies can linger throughout generations.

HOME TRUTH received support and funding from prestigious documentary institutions such as the Independent Television Service, Latino Public Broadcasting, The Fledgling Fund, the International Documentary Association, the Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant, IFP, and is distributed by Women Make Movies.

SOME PRESS:

“Home Truth is a harrowing and deeply moving portrait…an inherently powerful story that’s well told in this absorbing film, which benefits greatly from the constant presence of its compelling and sympathetic central figure…essential viewing.” - The Hollywood Reporter

“Filmed over nine years, [HOME TRUTH] inspires as much as it stirs outrage...At a time when domestic violence shows no signs of abating, and a nominee for the Supreme Court is being considered, this is essential viewing." - The Boston Globe

“Less likely on peoples radar is one of the [Human Rights Watch Film Festival’s] best films, Home Truth. A devastating look at domestic violence and…a haunting journey. Home Truth is a powerful and devastating look at domestic violence and the importance of restraining orders…This split between broad sociological import and profoundly personal familial bonds make Truth a genuine highlight.” - Criterion Collection’s Criterion Cast