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originally published: 09/18/2023 

(WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- Monmouth University will host a special advance screening of Miranda’s Victim on Saturday, September 30 at 7:45pm, followed by a panel discussion with cast members, the director, producer, and special guests.

Miranda’s Victim recounts the 1963 arrest and conviction of Ernesto Miranda for the kidnapping and rape of an 18-year-old woman, Trish Weir, in Phoenix, Arizona. Weir’s life is destroyed by her quest to put Miranda in prison, as his conviction is overturned in a case that subsequently leads to the establishment of the Miranda rule, which the Supreme Court recognized as a constitutional right in its 1966 decision Miranda v. Arizona, requiring that suspects be informed of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights prior to interrogation if their statements are to be used against them in court.

The star-studded cast is led by Abigail Breslin, Andy Garcia, Ryan Phillippe, Sebastian Quinn, Donald Sutherland, Emily VanCamp, and Luke Wilson, and also includes Enrique Murciano, Josh Bowman, Mireille Enos, Kyle MacLachlan, and Taryn Manning.

“This was a passion project for the stars of the film, as they all wanted to be a part of setting this important historical record straight – and many of the leading actors will appear at the advance screening event,” said George Kolber, producer and co-writer of the film, and longtime Monmouth County, New Jersey, resident.

The movie was shot in New Jersey with locations in Middletown, Red Bank and at Monmouth University, over a six-week period.

 

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“I am so glad that I could film this story throughout Monmouth County, as we’re starting to see New Jersey become the mecca of filmmaking,” Kolber said.

Miranda’s Victim extensively utilizes both interior and exterior locations at the University’s Great Hall, which was transformed to resemble an Arizona Trial Court and the United States Supreme Court, among other locations.

“Beyond the opportunity to showcase our magnificent campus, I am very proud that Monmouth will have such a prominent role in the depiction of the events behind this significant legal milestone in American history,” said Leahy, who also enjoys a brief cameo in the film. “I am also grateful for the opportunity that our students had to work on the production, gaining invaluable hands-on experience behind the scenes of a major motion picture.”

According to Kolber, the film has been very well received, garnering many awards at both national and international film festivals and favorable reviews. The movie’s general release is planned for October 6, 2023.

Tickets for the special advance screening and panel discussion, ranging in price from $100 to $150, are on sale at the Monmouth University Box Office. Guests may also purchase a ticket to the opening reception at 6 p.m. for an additional $135. Proceeds from the evening’s events benefit the Monmouth University Center for the Arts.

Monmouth University is the region’s premier private coastal university offering a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs in a dynamic and personalized learning environment. Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University's magnificent coastal campus is approximately one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia. Innovative academic programs, individual faculty attention, and nationally ranked Division I athletics make this private university a great place to find your future.