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Thanatos Rx: The DeathPenalty Debate in America - Screening & Panel

A film screening and panel discussion
Monday, November 15, 2004 at 6 p.m.Boston Public Library
Rabb Lecture HallCopley Square

Join us for a screening of Dr. Maryanne Galvin's documentary film, Thanatos Rx: The Death Penalty Debate in America (58 minutes, color, 2001, www.mgproductions.biz), followed by a panel discussion by US Attorney Michael Sullivan (who is featured in the film), Retired Judge Robert Barton, State Representative Pat Jehlen, Kate Lowenstein, Acting Executive Director of Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation and John P. Zanini, Chief of the Appellate Division, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.

The film features interviews with several current and former death row inmates, such as David Paul Hammer, who was to be the first person executed by the U.S. Federal Government in almost 40 years. Timothy McVeigh, Hammer's ally at Terre Haute, Indiana, earned the distinction instead. Hammer talks about his own plight as well as that of McVeigh; like McVeigh, Hammer had waived his appeals and " was " seeking "speedy " execution," " but " has vacillated a number of times and is "
again appealing his execution.

"No matter what side of the issue you're on, the film helps people understand the U.S.'s application of the death penalty, as well as Americans' ambivalence on the subject," says Galvin.

Award-winning filmmaker Maryanne Galvin, a practicing forensic psychologist in Boston, has written, directed, and produced three educational training videos for mental health and law enforcement professionals. Her latest film, The Pursuit of Pleasure, which challenges commonly held beliefs about female sexuality, gender roles, relationships, and satisfaction, recently won the Providence Film Award for best documentary at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, as well as the Documentary Special Recognition Award at the Boston International Film Festival. Her other films include Amuse Bouche: A Chef's Tale, about Chef Barbara Lynch of No. 9 Park in Boston; and High, Fast, and Wonderful, about three priests' missions in some most unusual places. Rabb Lecture Hall is wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. To request a sign language interpreter or for help with other special needs, call 617-536-5400, ext. 2295 or 617-536-7055 (TTY) at least two weeks before the program date.