FACING THE DEMONS documents the effort to create an extraordinary event - a "conference" between those responsible a terrible murder, and the family and friends of the victim.

"Restorative justice" has its origins in the Maori culture, where part of the punitive ritual is to confront victims and accept responsibility. The introduction of such conferences in New Zealand contributed to a 90 percent reduction in juvenile crime, and a study in Australia found that victims involved with "restorative justice" conferences were better able to cope in the aftermath of crime.

At the center of this story are four people: Senior Sergeant Terry O'Connell of the New South Wales Police Service, the facilitator of the conference; Joan Griffiths and Ken Marslew, the parents of the university student, Michael Marslew; and Karl Kramer, one of Michael's killers.

Sergeant O'Connell began these conferences nine years ago in Australia, and police in the United States, Canada and Britain has adopted his model. But his undertaking in this case is fraught with unforeseen difficulties.

Ken Marslew, is now an advocate for crime victims and runs his own anti-violence organization "Enough Is Enough." Ken's high profile creates problems for O'Connell as he tries to navigate the intense emotions surrounding this case. Joan Griffiths feels overlooked by the system, and her ex-husband's high profile compounds this.

Restorative justice is gaining attention as a method of healing and reconciliation. Conferences such as the one documented in this film can help criminals confront the enormity of their actions, perhaps preventing them from relapsing on the outside. For victims and their families, it can be a way of helping to end the ordeal. Capturing on film the emotionally charged confrontation between a murderer and his victim's family, FACING THE DEMONS takes us through the entire process to bring about such communication.

"Powerful and deeply moving... A very vivid rendering of the complexities and pain flowing out a real crime when put through the lens of a restorative justice effort. [FACING THE DEMONS] would be especially valuable for training purposes in any setting where the 'restorative justice' concept is being practiced and/or taught. Excellent technical qualities. Very, very highly recommended!"—Educational Media Reviews Online

"A disturbing and compelling look at the results and effects of crime."—TV Week

"A compelling and resourceful tool as an introduction to and illustration of restorative justice."—Online Journal for Peace and Conflict Resolution