"It's about the Michael Bell Law:" Producers film shines light on use of police force

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Film Festival is in full swing, featuring films from across the country and international offerings. One local filmmaker has a couple of works that hit close to home.

Milwaukee producer, Erik Ljung, is showcasing his documentary, "Police Shooting Tests New Wisconsin Law."

Erik Ljung

"It's about the Michael Bell Law and how it played out in the Dontre Hamilton case," said Ljung.

7 p.m. Saturday, October 3rd at the Oriental Theater, the 10-minute documentary will proceed the much-touted film, "Peace Officer" -- a position Ljung likes.

"Yea. The Milwaukee Film Festival has grown a lot over the last five years. It's like a top-rate festival," said Ljung.

The California native has lived in Milwaukee since 2008.

"Oh, you know, classic story. I was dating a girl, she moved out here to get her PhD -- so I followed her. It lasted about a month once I got here, but I stayed," said Ljung.

Ljung freelances around the country, but the Michael Bell Law and Dontre Hamilton case was almost given, being squarely in his backyard, so to speak.

Ljung actually has three film screenings during the Milwaukee Film Festival: Friday night's film, called "Mothers for Justice," will be part of "The Milwaukee Show II" -- it follows Dontre Hamilton's mother, Maria.

Mothers For Justice film

"She formed this support group with many other Milwaukee mothers and they took that fight to Washington D.C. and the Million Moms March," said Ljung.

After the screening there's a Q&A -- Ljung admits he prefers not to be the center of attention, but with success he may have to get used to it.

For more information on the Milwaukee Film Festival, or for a full calendar of showings, CLICK HERE.