Paramount+ Set to Premiere Documentary Short ‘I Am Ready, Warden’ on Nov. 22
MTV Documentary Films is set to premiere a new documentary short film titled "I Am Ready, Warden" on November 22 exclusively on Paramount+. Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Smriti Mundhra, the film delves into the poignant narrative of John Henry Ramirez, a man convicted of murder and facing a death sentence in Texas.
Recognized with a nomination for Best Documentary Short Film at the 2024 Critics Choice Documentary Award, "I Am Ready, Warden" offers a raw and emotional portrayal of Ramirez’s journey on death row as he grapples with the desire for redemption and reconciliation. In the days leading up to his scheduled execution, Ramirez seeks forgiveness from the son of his victim, showcasing a complex and compelling exploration of human emotions and moral dilemmas.
To gain insight into the Texas prison system and Ramirez’s story, Mundhra collaborated with journalist Keri Blakinger, whose impactful article in The New York Times Magazine, titled "The Dungeons and Dragons Players of Death Row," was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
The production of "I Am Ready, Warden" involved a dedicated team including Maya Gnyp, Keri Blakinger, Nina Anand Aujla, and Smriti Mundhra, with Sheila Nevins, Nina L. Diaz, and Liza Burnett Fefferman serving as executive producers. Mundhra expressed the challenges faced during the making of the film, stating, "I Am Ready, Warden is the toughest film I’ve ever made, requiring months of work to gain the trust of the protagonists and access to the most painful time of their lives."
Executive producer Sheila Nevins poses thought-provoking questions raised by the documentary, pondering, "What if the man on death row isn’t the same man who committed the crime 20 years ago? And, is the pain and fury of the victim’s son ameliorated by the execution of the man who killed his father?" These inquiries serve to ignite contemplation and reflection on the complexities of capital punishment and the intricacies of forgiveness and justice.
"I Am Ready, Warden" promises to challenge viewers’ perspectives and evoke empathy in unexpected ways, navigating the sensitive and divisive topic of capital punishment with nuance and compassion. As the release date approaches, audiences can anticipate a gripping and thought-provoking cinematic experience that delves deep into the human experience, morality, and the pursuit of redemption.
