Growing up, Meleeka Clary always dreamed of being an entertainer. Despite early success in dance and theater, the Boston native went on to receive a master’s degree in criminal justice and a law degree from Concord Law School in California.
But it was a whirlwind love affair in Indiana and the acrimonious custody battle that followed that challenged Clary’s perception of the criminal justice system. Those experiences inspired the 2020 film “Three Corners of Deception,” which will be screened Oct. 5 at Kan-Kan Cinema, 1258 Windsor St.
The Indianapolis Recorder spoke with Clary about her story and the movie, which was filmed partially in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Recorder: What was is it like sharing your story? Did it ever get to the point where it just felt too vulnerable?
Meleeka Clary: Yes, it did feel that way at the beginning because it’s such a touchy story, it’s passionate and something that I went through. It wasn’t as easy to explain as I would have liked it to be. The movie is a little over two hours, but the pain reached almost 13 years. Going through something like that wasn’t easy, but I’m religious, so God wanted me to explain my story, and he gave me the strength and courage to do so.
IR: Did you learn anything about yourself while making the movie?
MC: It freed me. I felt closed off, depressed and very scared as I was explaining my situation and sharing with the public. Making this movie, I was free and was able to let go of the situation. I’m not scared anymore. The movie really gave me peace. … For me, making this movie isn’t about fame; it was for justice.
“Three Corners of Deception” will be shown at Kan-Kan Cinema at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5. For tickets, visit goelevent.com.
IR: What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
MC: Awareness. I want them to understand that family is important, and so is the strength of an individual person. I survived this, and I’m still going. I shouldn’t have had to fight this fight, but I’m not fighting alone. I have God on my side. I want people to know that they can get through anything.
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
