As a filmmaker, I feel strongly that The Closure Myth brings a radically new perspective to the death penalty debate. Anti-death penalty activists typically direct the public's sympathies not to the victim, but to the murderer by drawing national attention to offenders with a chronic history of childhood abuse or defendants who have received unfair legal representation. In fact, discussion of the victims' families usually surfaces on the opposite side of the debate: death penalty advocates typically play on the public's compassion for victims, claiming that executions will give these families closure and justice.

Despite the widespread perception that executions bring victims' families peace of mind, the truth is that, just as the country remains deeply divided on the issue of capital punishment, so, too, do victims' families. According to a statement by Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation, "As survivors who oppose the death penalty, we are often treated with derision for our views… The popular media fails to project our anti-capital punishment stance as a healthy, rational response."

I made The Closure Myth in order to articulate this vitally important, yet often overlooked perspective. Although it offers significant insight into the death penalty debate, Aba Gayle's story transcends discussion of capital punishment, causing us to question the way we heal in the face of violence individually, in our local communities, and nationally. Since Sept. 11th, our nation has witnessed an increased trend toward patriotism, religion, and family; in short, we are attempting to heal. Despite this trend, our country remains riddled with fear, anger, and a desire for vengeance. What role does forgiveness play in our quest for catharsis? What role should it play?

I was drawn to Aba Gayle's story because it brings these controversial questions to us in a personal, vivid way. Many victims of violent crime understand Aba Gayle's initial denial, her desire for revenge, the collapse of her marriage, and her renewed interest in spirituality. After listening to her story, they will begin to apply their own personal feelings to larger issues. Because it tells a personal story of healing, The Closure Myth has the potential to influence people's personal lives as well as their politics.

Aba Gayle hopes that she can inspire others to pardon offenses in their own lives. "People think, if she can do that, maybe I can forgive my sister for what she did to me or my brother-in-law or mother - or whomever they've been holding a grudge against all these years," she says.

I made this film because, for 45 short minutes, it allows viewers to step into the shoes of a murder victim's mother - to experience her pain, loss, and healing - and to use that experience to reflect on their own lives. That, after all, is why we make documentaries: as we open a window on another person's life, we somehow also shed light on our own.

- Erika Street