Date & Time
ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL, directed by Steve James and produced by Julie Goldman and Mark Mitten, tells the fascinating story of the government’s decision to prosecute a small, immigrant-owned financial institution, while overlooking far more egregious behavior at much larger institutions. The Sung family, owners of Abacus Federal Savings of Chinatown, New York, were accused of mortgage fraud by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. Abacus Federal became the only U.S. bank to face criminal charges in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The indictment and subsequent trial forced the Sung family to defend themselves and their bank’s legacy. The Sung family spent over ten million dollars in a five-year battle to save the family business, their honor and to stand up for their community.
Time: 88 minutes
Guest Speakers for Q and A: Julie Goldman, Producer; Sean Lyness Assoc. Prod.; Jill and Vera Sung, bankers