When a Witness Recants
Synopsis
In 1983, author Ta-Nehisi Coates learned that a 14-year-old boy was murdered in his Baltimore middle school. Upon revisiting the case, he uncovers the truth: Three innocent teenagers were wrongfully convicted and spent 36 years in prison — creating a lasting impact on the accused, the witnesses, and their community.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Meet the Artist 2026: Dawn Porter on “When A Witness Recants”Official
Type: Featurette • Published 2025-12-18
Release History & Theatrical Window
Hot Docs Festival
Festival / Special Debut
October 30, 2026
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Dawn Porter
- Screenplay & Story
- Jennifer Gonnerman
- Original Score
- Osei Essed
- Original Title
- When a Witness Recants
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 52m
- Production Studios
- HBO Documentary Films, Trilogy Films, Maceo-Lyn Production, Sony Pictures Television - Nonfiction
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Dawn Porter
Jennifer Gonnerman
Osei Essed
Bryan Gentry
Jessica Congdon
Dawn Porter, Miriam Weintraub, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez
Department Leadership Roster
Dawn Porter
Director
Dawn Porter
Producer
Miriam Weintraub
Producer
Jessica Congdon
Editor
Bryan Gentry
Director of Photography
Jennifer Oko
Producer
Osei Essed
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for When a Witness Recants.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About When a Witness Recants
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is When a Witness Recants about?
In 1983, author Ta-Nehisi Coates learned that a 14-year-old boy was murdered in his Baltimore middle school. Upon revisiting the case, he uncovers the truth: Three innocent teenagers were wrongfully convicted and spent 36 years in prison — creating a lasting impact on the accused, the witnesses, and their community.
Who directed When a Witness Recants?
When a Witness Recants was directed by Dawn Porter.
Who stars in When a Witness Recants?
The principal cast of When a Witness Recants includes Not specified.
When was When a Witness Recants released and how long is it?
When a Witness Recants was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 52m.
Who composed the musical score for When a Witness Recants?
The original motion picture soundtrack for When a Witness Recants was composed by Osei Essed.