How to Sue the Klan

About the Filmmaker

John Beder (DIRECTOR) is an Emmy-nominated Asian American documentary director whose recent and poignant film “Dying in Your Mother’s Arms” received major acclaim when it was published by the New York Times as part of their Oscar-winning Op-Docs series. The documentary short about palliative care won awards at the Denver Film Festival, at the Oscar-qualifying Palm Springs ShortFest, was named Vimeo’s Staff Pick of the Month, and was nominated for a 2021 News and Documentary Emmy. With over 16 million views in the first year of release, “Dying in Your Mother’s Arms” captivated audiences with an intimacy and vulnerability that illustrates Beder’s empathetic approach to filmmaking. Beder lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife and producing partner, Katie DeRoche, where they continue to research and produce films in meaningful subject areas like public health, climate change, and social justice.

About the Producer

Renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump founded Ben Crump Law PLLC with the abiding belief that justice equals respect. Because of this dedication to justice, the families of Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Martin Lee Anderson, and Breonna Taylor all turned to Mr. Crump to turn the spotlight of justice on these cases. But changing the landscape on civil rights is only half the story. Mr. Crump and his firm’s attorneys are all devoted to advocating for the voiceless of our society whenever or whatever kind of harm may have befallen them. From personal injury, labor and employment matters, class actions, and other lawsuits, our attorneys are dedicated to holding the powerful accountable for their actions.

Director’s Statement

When I first encountered the remarkable story that inspired our documentary, “How to Sue the Klan,” I was struck by the absence of Black documentary filmmakers in Chattanooga. Recognizing this gap, my team and I set out to address it by assembling a crew of diverse backgrounds and experiences. However, we soon encountered another challenge: the financial constraints that hinder many directors from committing to projects of this nature. Despite our fundraising efforts, I’ve personally faced the reality of deferred pay and the need for significant privilege, including the support of a full-time working spouse, to sustain myself during the filmmaking process.

Ultimately, I made the decision to direct the film myself, acknowledging that our documentary serves as only a starting point for the cinematic exploration of this important story. My aspiration is to witness a future feature-length project helmed by a Black director from Chattanooga, and I’m committed to offering my expertise and resources as an advisor to make this vision a reality. As an Asian American filmmaker, I recognize the importance of having our stories told by members of our own community. However, I also acknowledge the scarcity of filmmakers of color and the imperative need to preserve untold narratives before they are lost.

Therefore, it’s my mission to collaborate closely with the communities whose stories we aim to illuminate, ensuring that their voices are accurately and respectfully represented. Moreover, I’m dedicated to fostering opportunities for aspiring filmmakers of color in Chattanooga, providing mentorship and training to cultivate the next generation of documentary storytellers. By working together thoughtfully and inclusively, I believe we can safeguard our collective history for generations to come.