Writ Writer

Highly recommend this documentary for its story of one man's unrelenting belief in the Constitution and how absolute power over prisoners corrupts absolutely. It is a searing historical portrait of the Texas prison system and what the movement for prison reform addressed. But more importantly, it is a timely reminder that the rule of law is only maintained through constant vigilance. Cruz demanded that the courts address the real meaning of habeas corpus, the very question currently being addressed by the Supreme Court. Just as the Bush administration has 'thumbed its nose' at the Constitution at Guantanamo, the authorities of the Texas prison system relied on the fear, racism and contempt of the public toward the prisoners to continue their abuse. In both cases, the Constitution has prevailed. So far.

Writ Writer had its world premiere appropriately at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. This is a well-made historical documentary that brings back to life an almost forgotten chapter in Texas history. Writ Writer documents the tragic life of Fred Cruz and his efforts to win new rights for prisoners in Texas. The film documents the awful conditions that existed in Texas prisons in the 1960s and the efforts of Fred Cruz to challenge and ultimately change the Texas prison system. Despite a limited education, Fred Cruz read law books and learned how to stand up for himself and other prisoners. Fred Cruz is an almost a forgotten hero and this film is a way of rediscovering his important place in the history of the civil rights and prison rights movements.

This film will be running this summer on PBS's Independent Lens. I hope that it is also made available for use in classrooms especially here in Texas where it should be more important for us to remember Fred Cruz than to remember the Alamo.