Loved Lived on Death Row follows the amazing journey of the Syriani siblings from hate to forgiveness toward their father who was sentenced to die for the murder of their mother and recounts the friendship between their father and his pen-pal and spiritual advisor, Meg Eggleston.

Orphaned and estranged, the Syriani children raised themselves enduring feelings of hate and confusion toward their father. Despite their feelings, they collectively decided to visit him in prison in 2004 in order to seek some answers and move on with their lives. What transpired was a miracle of forgiveness, followed by a journey of reconciliation, and finally a battle for his clemency in North Carolina. Their story received national press and appearances on Good Morning America and Larry King Live.

The Syriani family attributes the friendship and guidance that Meg Eggleston, a grandmother of six, gave to their father as vital to their reconciliation process. Inspired by Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, Meg began corresponding with Elias Syriani five years ago, and Elias ultimately asked Meg to witness and support him on the night of his execution.

Love Lived on Death Row is produced and directed by Linda Booker who will participate in a Q & A session following the film showing at the Belcourt. The film was an official selection of a variety of film festivals such as the New Orleans Film Festival, Indie Memphis, as well as the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival.

Sister Helen Prejean describes this film as “Heart-rending yet inspirational, this documentary will leave audiences thinking about the Syriani's story and the issues addressed in it long after viewing.” The film is sponsored by the TCASK, and we hope that this film will offer a glimpse into the complexities of the use of the death penalty when a murder occurs within a single family. When faced with such a situation, the death penalty only revictimizes family members and ultimately serves no one.

The film will be shown at the Belcourt Theatre on September 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Q & A session with the director. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at www.belcourt.org or at the door. If you in the area, please mark the date, and see this powerful film.