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Fifty years ago, the name “Kitty Genovese” became synonymous with urban apathy after 38 eyewitnesses did nothing while an attacker stabbed her to death on a street in New York City. “For more than half an hour,” The New York Times report began, “38 respectable, law-abiding citizens watched a killer stalk and stab a woman in three separate attacks.” Forty years later, her brother Bill Genovese, who was 16 at the time of his sister’s death, decides to re-examine the details of the crime. THE WITNESS is a probing and deeply personal investigation into one of the most iconic crimes in New York history, featuring interviews with those closest to the murder including the surviving witnesses to Kitty’s death. It offers an illuminating look into the way stories take form and their rippling effects on the lives they touch.  THE WITNESS, a gripping and emotional documentary look at the mythic death and little-known life of Kitty Genovese, is the directorial debut of New York screenwriter (“The Conspirator”) James Solomon.  James sits down to talk about Kitty’s brother and his personal story and how Kitty’s tragic story came to condemn a city and define an era.

For news and updates go to: thewitness-film.com

Pasadena – Laemmle Playhouse 7 – TICKETS – opens 6/17
Director James Solomon will participate in a Q&A on Saturday, June 18th after the 3pm screening.

Santa Monica – Laemmle Monica Film Center – TICKETS – opens 6/17
Director James Solomon will participate in Q&As on Friday, June 17th and Saturday, June 18th after the 7:20 screenings.

THE WITNESS will also open in Los Angeles on June 17 at the Edwards Westpark 8 in Irvine and the Laemmle Claremont 5 in Claremont.

New York Times Critics’ Pick



“STUNNING!” – Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal



“EXTRAORDINARY!” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker

“ASTONISHING!” – Alexander Nazaryan, Newsweek



“FASCINATING!” – Jordan Hoffman, The Guardian



“A VISUALIZED SERIAL!” – John Surico, Vice

“A RIVETING DEEP DIVE INTO A CULTURAL FLASHPOINT!” – Jason Bailey, Flavorwire