New York, NY – November 17, 2023: Director Wynette Yao is poised for a groundbreaking debut as her latest film, “District of Second Chances,” gears up for its world premiere at Dances With Films on December 3, 2023.
The film delves into a profound exploration of redemption within the backdrop of Washington, D.C. Anchored by the premise of “second chance” legislation, it follows the stories of three men who, sentenced to life in prison during their youth, now confront the possibility of release. Through poignant and raw narratives, viewers witness the quests of Anthony “Pete” Petty, newly freed after three decades behind bars and tasked with rebuilding his life; Gene Downing, seeking a second chance hearing after twenty years to reconnect with a daughter born during his incarceration; and Colie Levar Long, mentoring incarcerated youth while aspiring to complete his education post a 26-year interruption. However, the film poignantly illustrates that a second chance is never assured.
Wynette Yao, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her diverse repertoire spanning subjects from Egypt to tornadoes, bees, and bog mummies, thrives on storytelling that breathes life into historical, scientific, social justice, and contemporary narratives.
Having previously crafted compelling narratives for National Geographic Channel, Discovery, and the Smithsonian Channel, Yao joined the FAMM Foundation, a non-profit advocating for criminal justice reform, as a staff filmmaker. Her repertoire includes impactful videos, spots, and documentaries shedding light on the urgent need for a fairer and more effective justice system. Notable among these are the award-winning productions “Half of Us” and “The Vanishing Trial” (recognized at the Bronx Social Justice Matters Festival and awarded 1st Place, Documentary Shorts).
Yao is presently engaged in scripting a narrative short titled “The Secret Life of Berta Hosang,” centered around her grandmother’s story. The film explores the challenges faced by an intellectually-driven young Chinese Canadian woman in the 1920s-30s torn between aspirations to aid war-torn China and societal expectations of marriage and motherhood.
Her extensive body of work includes “Oceans at the Tipping Point” (recipient of the Innovation Award at the Blue Ocean Film Festival) for Conservation International, “Who Betrayed Anne Frank?” (awarded the Gold Remi Award at the Worldfest Houston Film Festival) for the Discovery Channel, “The Mystery of the Mummy Murders” (Telly Award recipient) for the National Geographic Channel, and the National Emmy-nominated “All Quiet on the Western Front” for the Discovery Channel.
Responsible for the cinematography and editing of “District of Second Chances” is Travis Edwards. His diverse portfolio spans commercial, documentary, and narrative projects, driven by a commitment to the impactful nature of storytelling through video. Edwards’ award-winning work, ranging from undercover filming in puppy mills to capturing political landscapes in D.C., aims to present ideas and narratives in innovative and captivating ways, aiming to positively influence people’s lives.
