Commuted

In 1993, Danielle Metz was labeled a drug kingpin and sentenced to triple life in California, many miles away from New Orleans and her two children. Metz's sentence was commuted 23 years later. Now back home, she is stepping into a different reality. The film traces Metz's journey in confronting the wounds of incarceration, and to finding purpose, love and unification with her two grown children.

Filmmakers Nailah Jefferson (director), Darcy McKinnon (producer) and Danielle Metz (co-producer) talk about COMMUTED and their experience making the documentary. While Jefferson and McKinnon discuss the cruelty of the criminal justice system, Metz shares her intimate journey as a Black woman who was once incarcerated and is now advocating for others like herself.

Danielle Metz, who received three life sentences plus 20 years as a first time nonviolent offender, talks about her separation from her family - a young son and daughter, and her dream of returning home to them.

Danielle Metz, once incarcerated and now with her sentence commuted, speaks at a Free Her campaign about her own story. Metz also calls for clemency of incarcerated women like herself who are deserving of commutation by the president.

Gleneisha opens up about her childhood without her mother, Danielle Metz, who was incarcerated with three life sentences when she was a young child. She also shares how faith plays an important part of her life in getting through the most difficult moments.

Kenneth Polite, Jr., the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, reads from the letter written by him supporting the commutation of Danielle Metz who was sentenced to three life sentences plus 20 years. Former President Barack Obama granted her clemency in 2016 and Metz has proven why she deserved this second chance ever since leaving prison.