Film screening
16 Years: From Wrongful Conviction to Justice - The Story of Jeffrey Deskovic
- Date
- Friday 19 June 2026
- Time
- Location
- Cinema Trianon
Breestraat 31
2311 CH Leiden
Invitation
We kindly invite you to a private film screening and panel discussion on wrongful convictions, false confessions, and life after exoneration. The event is organized by Dr. Linda Geven in the context of her NWO VENI research project on false confessions and wrongful convictions.
The event will take place at Trianon Cinema on Friday June 19.
During the event, we will screen the award-winning documentary Sixteen Years, directed by Jia Rizvi. The film has received international recognition, including two Telly Awards. It tells the story of Jeffrey Deskovic, who at the age of 16 was wrongfully convicted of the rape and murder of a classmate and spent 16 years in prison before being exonerated.
Watch the trailer on YouTube!
His story illustrates how easily an innocent person can be convicted, how false confessions can arise, and how difficult it is to correct miscarriages of justice. Deskovic’s fight for freedom sheds light on structural shortcomings in the criminal justice system and stands as a testament to resilience and the human spirit.
Following the screening, a panel discussion will bring together speakers with both lived experience and professional expertise:
- Jia Rizvi – filmmaker and director of Sixteen Years
- Jeffrey Deskovic (joining online) – exoneree, wrongful conviction expert, and founder of the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice
- Dave Thompson – CEO of Wicklander-Zulawski, a global leader in ethical investigative interviewing, specialising in research-based and non-coercive interview methods.
- Dr. Linda Geven – organizer and moderator, co-founder of the European Registry of Exonerations (EUREX)
The panel will reflect on themes raised in the film, including the causes and dynamics of false confessions, the risks of wrongful convictions worldwide, and the realities of life after exoneration. The event is open to a broad audience, including those without prior knowledge of the topic, and will include ample opportunity for questions and discussion.
Our aim is to bring together participants from academia, legal practice, and the wider public to engage in an open and accessible dialogue on justice and reform.
Program
- 14:45 – Registration and welcome (coffee and tea will be provided)
- 15:15 – Film screening
- 16:45 – Panel discussion and Q&A
- 17:40 – Closing
We warmly invite you to join us for this thought-provoking event.
Please register here. The confirmation of your registration acts as access pass to the venue.
