Linda Booker
Linda Booker completed Duke University's Certificate in Documentary Studies Program in Spring 2005.
"Millworker: The Documentary", a 40-minute film she produced, filmed and edited was distributed to preservation organizations and schools in North Carolina with the support of the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation.
A graduate of Florida State University, Booker changed careers from graphic design and art direction to filmmaking after attending Durham's Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in 2003. In 2005 Linda formed By the Brook Productions, based in Central North Carolina to produce documentaries and outreach videos for non-profits.
The Making of "Love Lived on Death Row"
I became interested in the Syrianis' unique and moving story in July 2005 after seeing a story about them on a local TV news website. As a supporter and volunteer for domestic violence causes I found the circumstance of the Syriani siblings' father on death row for the murder of their mother compelling. But what truly interested me further was their amazing experience of forgiveness and reconciliation after years of estrangement from him and the healing process that resulted being threatened by an impending execution.
Filming for the documentary began in October 2005 when the Syrianis returned to North Carolina to continue their campaign for their father's clemency. The film contains interviews with the four Syriani siblings, Meg Eggleston (who shared letters and friendship with Elias Syriani), the Syrianis' attorney Russ Sizemore, Deborah Weissman, Professor of Law and former chair of the North Carolina Commission on Domestic Violence, Elias Syriani's attorney Henderson Hill and Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking that was adapted into an Academy award-winning film.
The documentary also contains excerpts from local news station coverage and the family's appearance on the Larry King Show, Good Morning America, home movies and photos provided by the Syrianis and location footage shot in Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, California and Chicago.
Although the Syriani siblings have endured some very difficult pain in their lives, their bond, their beliefs and their hearts are amazing. Their story will move some to tears, but in the end I want people to feel inspired by the courage and attitudes the kids have, the beauty of the love that was shared between all the people in the story and to be motivated to think more about the difficult social issues addressed in the film.
