This drama is based on the actual events of 21 June 1964 in the state of Mississippi: the murder of three civil-rights activists – two white, one black. The brutal homicide triggered race riots. Two FBI agents are investigating the case: young Alan Ward and his more experienced colleague Rupert Anderson. The idealistic Ward is outraged by the racism pervading the American South. The young man believes that if the law is strictly upheld, they will find the culprits and bring them to justice. But Anderson served as sheriff in another Southern small town years ago, so he understands the local mentality and knows full well how complicated their assignment really is. Gene Hackman earned a Berlinale Silver Bear for his role, Peter Biziou won an Oscar and a BAFTA for Best Cinematography, and the film received two more BAFTAs for Best Editing and Sound as well as six Oscar nominations (Best Film, Director, Lead Actor – Gene Hackman, Supporting Actress – Frances McDormand, Editing and Sound).