Synopsis
Love Lived on Death Row tells the story of the four Syriani siblings whose father was sentenced to die for the murder of their mother in 1990 and Meg Eggleston, who became their father's friend and spiritual advisor through letters to him in prison. Orphaned and estranged, the Syriani children lived with hate, anger and confusion as the man they could only refer to as 'Him Him' lived on North Carolina's death row. But in 2004 they collectively decided to visit him in prison, seeking answers so they could move on with their adult lives. What transpired that day was a miracle of forgiveness followed by a journey of healing, restoring family memories and then a battle for his clemency. Love Lived on Death Row's portrait of a family torn apart by tragedy and reunited by another impending tragedy is a powerful examination of not only the healing process, but also of the role capital punishment plays in serving justice.
Director's Statement
I became interested in the Syriani siblings unique and moving story in July 2005 after reading about their first public appearance in Charlotte, North Carolina. The story of four siblings confronting a father on death row for the murder of their mother was intriguing. But what truly compelled me further was their incredible experience of forgiveness, reconciliation and healing after fourteen years of estrangement from him. As I got deeper into their story, I discovered many layers beyond the restorative justice and capital punishment issues that include the complexities of the human spirit, surviving domestic violence trauma, family bonds, faith, transformation and hope. 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 they have, the love that was shared between all the people in the story and to feel motivated to think more about the difficult social issues addressed in the film.