The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain


The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is a 2019 American thriller drama film written, produced and directed by David Midell and starring Frankie Faison as the real life titular character. It is based on the Killing of [Kenneth Chamberlain Sr.|police shooting of Chamberlain] that occurred on November 29, 2011, in White Plains, New York. Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary serve as executive producers of the film.

Plot

Kenneth Chamberlain, an elderly veteran living in an apartment building, accidentally triggers his medical alert pendant early in the morning. Emergency services are dispatched, with three police officers arriving at his door. They tell Kenneth that they are there to check on his welfare. Kenneth—while keeping his door closed—informs them that he did not mean to call anyone, and that the medical alert was an accident. The police want to make "visual contact," insisting that they enter Kenneth's apartment. Kenneth refuses to open his door, making the police suspicious that there is something illegal happening inside. Kenneth is highly nervous, convinced that the police will hurt him. Kenneth mumbles to himself, which the police misinterpret as someone else inside with him, further fueling their suspicions. One police officer wants to defuse the situation and leave Kenneth in peace, but is reprimanded by his fellow officers.
The situation escalates and tensions rise. Backup is called in. Eventually, the police attempt to break into Kenneth's apartment by force. Kenneth insists that this is illegal and that the officers have neither a search warrant nor a probable cause to enter. Kenneth, panicking, uses a knife through the opening of the door to attempt to get the police to leave. One police officer calls Kenneth a racial slur. The police break down Kenneth's door, restrain him, tase him, and fatally shoot him.

Cast

Kristine Angela, Joey Ascaridis, Moira Begale, Nick Cardiff and Jared Winkler also play additional roles.

Release

The film made its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival in October 2019.

Accolades

The film won the Best Narrative Feature Award at the 24th Urbanworld Film Festival.
AssociationDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipientsResult
Independent Spirit AwardsMarch 6, 2022Best Male LeadFrankie Faison
Independent Spirit AwardsMarch 6, 2022Best EditingEnrico Natale
Gotham AwardsNovember 29, 2021Outstanding Lead PerformanceFrankie FaisonWon
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