(Lynn Hershman-Leeson, US 2007, 80 min., Digital Projection)

In May 2004, while working on a special biotech industry exhibit, artist Hope Kurtz of Buffalo died in her sleep of heart failure. When her husband, fellow artist Steve Kurtz, called paramedics to the couple’s home, they alerted the Joint Terrorism Task Force to confiscate harmless bacteria samples, equipment, computers, and Hope’s body. While the bioterrorism case against Steve Kurtz quickly fell apart, quickly fell apart, he still faces charges under the USA Patriot Act that could send him to prison for 20 years. This unusual and provocative new film is part documentary, part re-enactment, with actress Tilda Swinton as Hope Kurtz. It offers several theories why the case is still being prosecuted when there was no threat to public health. Steve Kurtz, SUNY Buffalo professor and a member of Critical Art Ensemble, will introduce the film and answer questions after the screening.