"Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law is a film featuring one of the bravest lawyers in Africa — Beatrice Mtetwa in Zimbabwe," says filmmaker Lorie Conway. "In spite of beatings by police and being arrested and jailed in March of 2013, Beatrice has courageously defended in court those jailed by the Mugabe government — peace activists, journalists, opposition candidates, farmers that had their land confiscated, ordinary citizens that had the courage to speak up. Through interviews with Mtetwa and some of her defendants, the film tells the story of what happens when rulers place themselves above the law and why defense of the rule of law is a crucial step in the building of a civil society. Although Beatrice Mtetwa’s arena is Zimbabwe, her message and bravery are universal. Here is the link to the trailer: http://vimeo.com/58496261."

"The film is screening around the world," says filmmaker Lorie Conway. "We began with a premiere in Seattle hosted by the World Justice Project and the University of Washington Law School, then the Kennedy School on April 17th.” Next there’ll be screenings in New Zealand, South Africa, the World Justice Forum at the Hague, and beyond. To view Lorie's first documentary, check out the abbreviated version of Forgotten Ellis Island at the Ellis Island Museum, or purchase but the DVD and companion book at www.forgottenellisisland.com.

“As Zimbabwe prepares for a presidential election in July of 2013, we hope that the film will spark dialogue and change in the country and throughout Africa, while also bringing the story of this inspiring woman to the attention of the rest of the world,” says filmmaker Lorie Conway. “By watching the film, viewers have already shown that they care...now, raise awareness about what you have learned watching the film...spread the word about conditions in Zimbabwe to your friends and family through social media and conversations. Send an email to your senator and congressman telling them of your concern about the upcoming election in Zimbabwe and how it will not be ‘free and fair’ unless international monitors and international pressure is placed on the country to stop the violence and intimidation of voters and voter suppression. As I see it, if Zimbabwe is not healthy, nor is the rest of Africa or the rest of the world, for that matter.... Don't ever think you are too small or insignificant to make a difference. Remember, a tsunami begins as a ripple."

"I love the Vexia Canon Camcorder," says filmmaker Lori Conway. "You could shoot a whole movie on this little camera...easy, point and shoot, high definition, great interior directional mic...a great tool for filming b roll and walking and talking with characters as long as there is not much wind, or, hook up an audio adapter with wireless mic, if there is. perfect camera when you want to be up close and personal without some big camera getting in the way of the conversation."

"As someone told me as I was about to become an ‘independent producer’ (an oxymoron if there ever was one!), ‘You better love your topic, because it is going to be with you for a long, long time,’” says filmmaker Lorie Conway. “What that means is between the time that you raise the funds to make the film and maybe pay yourself a salary, if you're lucky, it will be months and probably years before you finally finish telling the story. As frustrating as that is, I have come to understand that it is also a part of the process...a process that over time allows you to learn as much as possible about your story from many different perspectives, and to digest the information in such a way that the story you set out to tell initially evolves into a more nuanced narrative than when you began. And that's a good thing. “If I wrote a book about raising money for independent films, the title would be The Power of NO, and that pretty much sums up the process,” says filmmaker Lorie Conway. “Over and over you will hear ‘NO,’ and while it is nearly impossible not to take it personally, you have to get back on the horse that just threw you and do it again.... At some point, if you apply enough times, you will land some funding. But it helps to be strategic in the search. Look for a good match to the topic you are fundraising for, read the websites, find out who serves on their board, contact them directly about your project. If you believe in your film, the passion will come through, and eventually your proposals will land on the right desk. But it will be a long process. Kickstarters are a whole new way of doing it, but I have not found them comprehensive enough to truly fund an entire film project. So, I just keep asking, knowing that the ‘no’ might mean ‘no,’ but it also might lead me to the next person who just might say ‘yes.’"

”