Filmmaker Sits In on Polanski's Appeal Arguments
A filmmaker responsible for renewed interest in the Polanski case sits in on a hearing.
Documentary filmmaker Marina Zenovich had a front-row seat at a Thursday hearing for Roman Polanski's appeal arguments.
The Associated Press reports that Polanski's attorney, Chad Hummel, told three justices they should watch Zenovich's HBO film, "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired."
At the hearing, lawyers for Polanski and his victim asked the court to dismiss the sexual misconduct charge against Polanski. They requested this because of misconduct by a judge and prosecutor during Polanski's 1977 court proceedings, which was exposed in Zenovich's documentary.
Back in 1977, Polanski was accused of seducing a 13-year-old girl with champagne and part of a Quaalude pill, then raping her during a modeling shoot at Jack Nicholson's house.
Polanski, an Academy Award-winning director, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful sexual intercourse and reached the plea deal in 1978, but was threatened by a judge with more prison time than previously agreed upon. He fled to France before being formally sentenced.
Polanski is currently under house arrest in Switzerland; he is fighting extradition.
The Associated Press reports that Zenovich, who is filming a follow-up documentary, said it's a surreal feeling to have her work referenced in the appeal arguments.
