“Conviction” Gets a Strong Start in Toronto

“Conviction” —the true story of Betty Anne Waters’ fight to free her brother from prison after his wrongful conviction — premiered on Saturday at the Toronto film festival, and is already creating some buzz on its way to theaters worldwide. Innocence Project Co-Director Barry Scheck and Executive Director Maddy deLone were on hand for the showing, as were the film’s stars, including Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo and Juliette Lewis.

The film was very well received, and Betty Anne Waters received a standing ovation when she was introduced at the premiere.

“Conviction,” directed by Tony Goldwyn, tells the story of Waters’ brother Kenny and the years she spent working with the Innocence Project to set him free. Swank said at a Toronto press conference that Betty Anne Waters is her “real-life hero” and that playing Waters changed her life. Watch a video with Waters and cast members on the red carpet above, and see

interviews with Swank, Rockwell and Lewis here

.

The initial reviews from the festival are strong, especially praising the top-notch performances turned in from the film’s all-star cast. Here’s a sample of reviews and coverage of the premiere:

Candian Press:

Hilary Swank says making real-life legal drama ‘Conviction’ changed her life

New York Times:

Tony Goldwyn Shows Some ‘Conviction’ in Toronto

Boston Herald:

Justice for Hilary Swank



More after the jump…

Screen Daily:

“Conviction”

Backstage.com:

Toronto Dispatch – “Conviction”

mLive.com:

What the Web is Saying About “Conviction”

The film has its U.S. premiere Friday at the

San Diego film festival

and

also screens Saturday at the Boston Film Festival

. It opens in theaters October 15. We’ll post updates here over the next month.



Learn more about Waters’ case and watch the trailer here

.