Episode 117

full
Published on:

22nd Dec 2025

The Window on Death Row - Director Linda Freund & Executive Producer Mike Farrell

The Window on Death Row tells the story of Joaquín José Martínez, a Spanish citizen, who at the age of 24 was convicted of a double murder in the state of Florida. He spent the next five years behind bars, three of those on death row. With the help of the Spanish government and many of his country men, he was eventually exonerated of all charges against him. The case pitted the U.S. courts against that of the European Union and their ban on the death penalty. Nearly 20 years after his exoneration, Martínez transforms his personal trauma into public advocacy against the death penalty. His Catholic faith and relationship he built with his death row chaplain Dale Recinella have been central to his healing. We are joined on this edition of Cinemafile by director and producer Linda Freund and Executive Producer Mike Farrell.

About the filmmaker -Linda Freund is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist based in Barcelona. Prior to “The Window on Death Row” (2025, Spain), she directed the documentary “The Migrant Priest” (2022, Italy). Most recently, she was a senior video journalist at The Wall Street Journal. Previously, she reported from conflict zones across South Asia and East Africa.

About the filmmaker - Actor/producer/activist Mike Farrell (MASH) has signed on as executive producer. A leading voice against capital punishment, Farrell has championed human rights for more than three decades. He has been president of the non-profit advocacy organization Death Penalty Focus since 1994.

Listen for free

Show artwork for Cinemafile

About the Podcast

Cinemafile
Cinemafile showcases the very best in independent, documentary and foreign films through our conversations with the more than 2,000 filmmakers who made them. Through Cinemafile we will do our best to bring the most interesting and accomplished filmmakers from around the world to your attention.

About your host

Profile picture for Michael Kaspar

Michael Kaspar

Mike Kaspar is a life-long film fan who has worked as a projectionist at an art house theatre, college radio station general manager as well as a radio show host and producer for over 18 years.