Kemba Smith, a victim of the war on drugs and current activist, is at the center of a powerful new movie about her life – here’s how to watch it.
Movies based on real-life events and individuals often make for a compelling watch, giving further insight into powerful stories that might otherwise not have had the spotlight. A recent example is Rustin, a Netflix film about civil rights movement activist Bayard Rustin.
The streamer also dropped Society of the Snow last year, JA Bayona’s take on the 1972 Andes Flight Disaster that depicts the plight of the passengers and their fight for survival.
Next in line is Kemba, whose real-life case exposes faults in the criminal justice system. Here’s how to watch the movie and what it’s about.
How to watch the Kemba Smith movie
The Kemba Smith movie – titled Kemba – is available to stream on BET Plus now after premiering on February 22, 2024.
BET+ is a premium subscription streaming service with content from Black creators. It’s available via Amazon Prime Video, which you can sign up for here.
What is the Kemba Smith movie about?
Kemba tells the story of Kemba Smith, who became a victim of the war on drugs in 1994 when she was sentenced to nearly 25 years in prison without parole due to her boyfriend’s drug deal operation – a sentence that far outweighed her offense.
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Smith’s case garnered national attention, sparking outrage and calls for justice. Advocates rallied behind her, arguing that her sentence was disproportionate and failed to account for the circumstances of her involvement.
It highlighted flaws within the criminal justice system, particularly regarding mandatory minimum sentencing laws and their disproportionate impact on communities of color. After six-and-a-half years behind bars, Kemba received clemency from President Bill Clinton. Today, she is an advocate and activist.
As per the synopsis: “Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, Kemba follows the journey of a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to find out he isn’t who he seems.
“When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif’s true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive – grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. Though she never dealt or handled drugs, in a tragic turn of events, Kemba receives an outrageous sentence for her boyfriend’s crimes – placing her in the middle of the government’s ‘war on drugs.’
“Never losing hope, her parents along with an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers to help free Kemba.”
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