The MPI Original feature Kemba will screen at the Kansas City Public Library on Thursday, October 15, as part of the Library’s programming for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Based on a true story, Kemba follows Kemba Smith Pradia, a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man who turns out to be an abusive drug dealer. Although she never dealt or handled drugs, Kemba is held accountable for his crimes and receives an excessive prison sentence. Her parents, together with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, launch a campaign supporting her appeal and later seeking clemency. With growing public support, President Bill Clinton commutes her sentence in December 2000, after she has served six and a half years in prison.

Kemba’s story continued beyond the events depicted in the film. In January 2025, President Biden granted her a full pardon, marking another important milestone in her decades-long fight for justice.

Kemba Smith Pradia—whose story inspired the film and who served as an executive producer—will attend the screening and answer questions from the audience afterward. Today, Kemba is an author, public speaker, and leading advocate for criminal justice reform.

Directed by Kelley Kali and written by Christine Swanson, Kemba stars Nesta Cooper, Siddiq Saunderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Michelle Hurd.

The event will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the screening and discussion at 6 p.m. in the Helzberg Auditorium at the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Library.

Learn more and RSVP for the screening.

Can’t make it to the screening? Kemba is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+. You can also watch the trailer and learn more about the film here.

Want to bring Kemba to your community? Visit KembaMovie.com to learn how you can host a screening and help this powerful story inspire conversation and change.