The Lawrence Affair

A documentary film by Ben Silberfarb

WORKING TITLE – UNDER PRODUCTION 2024-25

This feature-length documentary will tell the true story of a corrupt undercover police officer, Paul Lawrence, and the impact of his actions in Vermont in the 1970s.

Through firsthand interviews, this film will unravel the tensions of the time and draw parallels to our current political environment. It will examine the justice system, how it was manipulated, and ask if it could happen again.

This feature-length documentary will tell the true story of a corrupt undercover police officer, Paul Lawrence, and the impact of his actions in Vermont in the 1970s. Through firsthand interviews, this film will unravel the tensions of the time and draw parallels to our current political environment. It will examine the justice system, how it was manipulated, and ask if it could happen again.

Share your Lawrence story

If you were arrested by Paul Lawrence or otherwise connected to that affair we would be grateful to chat with you. Please contact producer/researcher Maggie Cassidy or any of members of the Humble Light team listed below.

Contact Maggie

Production is Underway

As of October 2024, our team has recorded more than 25 total interviews with 18 individuals. Participants who have sat for interviews include seven people who were falsely arrested by Lawrence, plus a number of defense attorneys and prosecutors from the saga, including retired U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

Learn more

Production is Underway

As of October 2024, our team has recorded more than 25 total interviews with 18 individuals. Participants who have sat for interviews include seven people who were falsely arrested by Lawrence, plus a number of defense attorneys and prosecutors from the saga, including retired U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

Learn more

Production is Underway

As of October 2024, our team has recorded more than 25 total interviews with 18 individuals. Participants who have sat for interviews include seven people who were falsely arrested by Lawrence, plus a number of defense attorneys and prosecutors from the saga, including retired U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont.

Learn more

We’re seeking photos and other archival material from early 1970s Vermont!

If you have anything to share from that era (such as newspaper clippings, photos or audio/video recordings), please reach out to Maggie Cassidy or one of the producers listed below!

Reach out

Support the Film

Tax-deductible contributions can be made via our fiscal sponsor, the Vermont International Film Festival (VTIFF). To make a donation, please visit our page at VTIFF’s website. For more information about the film as well as other ways to support our work, please contact Ben Silberfarb or another member of the Humble Light team listed below.

Donate

About Humble Light LLC

Humble Light LLC is a Vermont-based production company brought together to produce this film. Our team is passionate about the craft of filmmaking, the power of documentary storytelling, and the importance of journalistic investigation and accountability.

Ben Silberfarb

Director/Producer/Editor
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Andrew Lund

Producer/Editor
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Maggie Cassidy

Producer/Researcher
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Website

Sawyer Broadley

Producer/Editor
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Website

This project’s creation is supported in part by grant funding from the Vermont Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Vermont Community Foundation.