The personal injury 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 movies addressing legal themes of justice, power, and the individuals who navigate between truth and consequences, with each screening followed by Q&A sessions featuring panels of judges and practicing lawyers.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for public legal education, allowing community members to engage directly with legal professionals about contemporary justice issues. Following screenings, viewers can explore each film's legal themes and their relevance to today's legal landscape through structured discussions with experienced practitioners.
The series began in February with a screening of A Few Good Men and will continue through December with five additional films. The scheduled screenings include 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. Each selection examines different aspects of legal systems and ethical dilemmas faced within justice frameworks.
Ciné, the venue hosting the series, is a restored historic theater located in downtown Athens that operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the stewardship of the all-volunteer Board of Directors of The Athens Film Arts Institute (AFAI). The venue features two cinemas, a full bar, and event space, with a mission 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.
The sponsorship by R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, connects the firm's legal practice with community education initiatives. The Athens-based firm assists clients throughout Georgia with personal injury, wrongful death, and workers' compensation claims, bringing decades of legal experience to its representation of accident and injury victims and their families. The firm's office is located at 490 N. Milledge Ave., Athens, GA, 30601.
This film series matters because it creates accessible pathways for public understanding of legal systems at a time when confidence in justice institutions faces challenges nationally. By using popular cinema as an entry point for discussions about justice, power dynamics, and ethical decision-making, the program demystifies legal processes and encourages civic engagement with justice issues. The participation of sitting judges and practicing lawyers ensures discussions are grounded in real-world legal experience while remaining accessible to general audiences.
The implications extend beyond entertainment to potentially influence how community members perceive and interact with legal systems in their daily lives. For the legal profession, such public engagement initiatives represent important outreach that can bridge gaps between practitioners and the communities they serve. For Athens residents, the series offers rare opportunities to question legal experts about justice themes portrayed in culturally significant films while considering their application to contemporary legal challenges.
