Co-creators of popular Netflix documentary series Making A Murderer are coming to Australia next month, speaking live at Spectrum Now Festival in Sydney.
Written and directed by Moira Demos and Lauren Ricciardi, the series told the story of Steven Avery. Falsely imprisoned for 18 years for the sexual assault and attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen, Avery was exonerated in 2003 only to once again be arrested in connection with the murder of Teresa Halbach. The series also covers the story of Avery’s nephew, Brendan Dassey, who was also charged with the murder.
Set to be interviewed by Charlie Pickering on Thursday 10th March at The Star Event Centre, the pair is excited to appear on stage and discuss the series.
“We’re thrilled to have a more in-depth conversation, rather than a short interview or three minutes on a late night show, that’s a different thing. To have the time to discuss the filmmaking, the process of making it, and what we can learn from it, that’s very exciting,” Demos told Fairfax Media.
The expanded format of the festival forum in particular allows them to explore how the film provides some new insights into the inequalities of America’s justice system. “We made this series to start a dialogue and we want to be part of that dialogue.”
While internationally the series was roundly praised, in the US it faced criticism for being perceived as an attack of the justice system. Neither having been to Australia before, the pair is looking forward to being able to talk about the series in a context further removed from the subject matter.
“We’re thrilled people so far away from where we live are watching the series and are connected to the story,” Demos explained “We’re excited to have an opportunity to come and speak to people about the series.
“In the United States, a lot of people like to point fingers and say this is what’s going on in Wisconsin and are hesitant to think of it as an American story, and an American problem really,” she elaborates. “I think international audiences are more likely to view this as a story about America.”
When it premiered on Netflix in December, key prosecution figures and conservative media outlets descended fast on the filmmakers, accusing them of bias and worse. The title Making A Murderer was in particular singled out as emphasising Avery’s innocence.
“You don’t want to muddy up a perfectly good conspiracy movie with what actually happened,” prosecutor Ken Kratz told US media.
Demos and Ricciardi dismiss such criticisms easily, acknowledging that no documentary could have included every detail of the Avery case. Still, some see the series as an attempt to re-try Avery and the Manitowoc County District Attorney in the court of public opinion.
“That wasn’t our goal in making this series; it’s certainly not our goal now,” Demos clarifies.
Potentially looking at working on a sequel, Demos says she and Ricciardi are monitoring some cases as possible subjects.
“We’re prepared to continue to follow these cases and if enough story develops that warrants that to happen [we will]. Life goes on, the story is not over.”
Making a Murderer: In conversation with Charlie Pickering
Thursday 10th March
The Star Event Centre, Sydney
Tickets: Spectrum Now
