The Law Firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC is serving as presenting sponsor for "The Law on Trial" film series throughout 2026 at the historic Ciné movie theater in downtown Athens. The series features films addressing legal themes of justice, power, and the individuals who navigate between truth and consequences, with each screening followed by Q&A sessions featuring judges and practicing lawyers.
The series began in February with a screening of A Few Good Men and will continue through December with five additional films: Erin Brockovich on April 9, To Kill a Mockingbird on June 4, Just Mercy on August 6, 12 Angry Men on October 1, and Suspect on December 3. These post-screening discussions allow viewers to explore each film's legal themes and their relevance to contemporary legal landscapes.
Ciné operates as a restored historic venue featuring two cinemas, a full bar, and event space. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it falls under the stewardship of the all-volunteer Board of Directors of The Athens Film Arts Institute (AFAI), which seeks to provide film and arts programming that inspires, educates, and builds community in the region. More information about the venue can be found at https://www.athenscine.com.
This initiative matters because it creates accessible public dialogue about legal systems and justice outside traditional courtroom settings. By pairing entertainment with expert commentary, the series demystifies legal concepts and encourages community engagement with justice-related issues. The sponsorship represents a convergence of legal practice and community education, potentially increasing public understanding of legal processes and principles.
The series has implications for both legal professionals and the general public. For legal practitioners, it offers opportunities to connect with community members in informal settings and discuss how legal themes portrayed in popular media relate to actual practice. For attendees, it provides rare access to legal experts who can contextualize film narratives within real-world legal frameworks. This educational approach could influence public perception of legal systems and increase awareness of justice-related issues.
The selection of films spans decades and genres while consistently addressing themes of legal ethics, systemic challenges, and individual advocacy. From the racial injustice depicted in To Kill a Mockingbird to the environmental legal battle in Erin Brockovich and the criminal justice examination in Just Mercy, the series presents diverse perspectives on how legal systems intersect with social issues. These screenings, combined with professional commentary, create opportunities for nuanced discussion about how film representations correspond with legal realities.
As a community-focused initiative, the series represents how legal professionals can engage with public education beyond traditional client relationships. By facilitating discussions about justice themes in accessible settings, the program contributes to broader conversations about legal systems' roles in society. The continued operation of Ciné as a nonprofit venue dedicated to community-building through arts programming provides an appropriate setting for these legally-focused discussions that bridge entertainment and education.
