Pardons of Innocence: The Wilmington Ten

This documentary recounts the turbulent history surrounding the troubled desegregation of New Hanover County Public School System in North Carolina during the late 1960s through 1971, and the violence that led up to the false prosecution and convictions of eight black male students, a white female community organizer, and fiery civil rights activist, Rev. Benjamin Chavis, for protesting racial injustice.

Directed by Cash Michaels, Pardons of Innocence: The Wilmington Ten leans on a strong ensemble — Beverly Perdue, Joseph McNeil, Benjamin Chavis Muhammad — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2014.