As human beings, we tend to be drawn to simple ideas and simple solutions, something which Nobel prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman describes as ‘cognitive ease’. We prefer ideas and solutions that we don’t have to work at, particularly those that chime with our existing ideologies and beliefs.

This mostly holds true for what we the public think about crime, justice and punishment in 21st century society.

There are some people who think we should bring back the death penalty; others think that people who commit crime should receive harsher sentences than those they read about in the media; and others who think we are sending some people to prison who shouldn’t be there – mothers with babies and people with learning disabilities.

It’s our job as criminologists to pick our way through the research evidence and propose solutions to make the criminal justice system and society work better, with fewer people committing or being the victims of crime, fewer arrests and fewer people in prison. In short, creating a safer and more inclusive society for all.

The Manchester Crime and Justice Film Festival, curated by PERU’s Kevin Wong, uses films as the spark for discussion of crime and justice. The Festival will present research-based and practical ideas and solutions to give an alternative take on crime, justice and punishment in the 21st century – and at the same time share the enjoyment of a good movie.

All events will take place from 6pm – 9pm at Number 70 Oxford St.

LISTING

Mona Lisa (dir. Neil Jordan / Year: 1986 / Runtime: 104 minutes / Certificate: 18)

Date: Thursday 9th May 2019

Tickets: Free – Available on Eventbrite

The Purge (dir. James DeMonaco / Year: 2013 / Runtime: 85 minutes / Certificate: 15)

Date: Thursday 16th May 2019

Tickets: Free – Available on Evenbrite

The Harder They Come (dir. Perry Henzell / Year: 1972 / Runtime: 103 minutes / Certificate: 18)

Date: Thursday 23rd May 2019

Tickets: Free – Available on Eventbrite

Do The Right Thing (dir. Spike Lee / Year: 1989 / Runtime: 120 minutes / Certificate: 18)

Date: Thursday 30th May 2019

Tickets: Free – Available on Eventbrite