BLOOD IN BATON ROUGE: VOL 1- DERRICK TODD LEE

Feature, True crime, thiller, horror, Narrative film

United States

2026

Runtime, min

101

FEATURE FILM INSPRIRED BY THE BATON ROUGE MURDERS FROM 1993 - 2004, VOLUME # 1 CENTERS ON MURDERS ATTRIBUTED TO CONVICTED AFRICAN AMERICAN SERIAL KILLER DERRICK TODD LEE. A historic narrative feature inspired by real events — the first true-crime film centered on an African American serial killer. This motion picture is inspired by real events. Certain characters, incidents, and dialogue have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes. “I watched your film twice. I’m always of the opinion that one time is to just watch; second time to evaluate. I also love true stories. You established that info right up front. So I enjoyed the true story aspect, making me a little partial.” — Craig Prater, Former President, Heartland Film Festival

Director:

Bishop Stevens

Selections and Awards:

REVIEWS:

A very gripping film. Despite its length, it holds your attention from the first to the last frame. A terrifying impression, especially since it's based on true events. And how simply, naturally, and inevitably everything happens. The incredible transformations of the main character from a sweet and charming person into a terrifying and bloodthirsty monster. It was cool. Thank you!

Live Screenings Attendee

Great plot and dynamics.

Live Screenings Attendee

The film was just confusing.

Live Screenings Attendee

I liked the part of the movie where the police were trying to figure it out. In my view the big problem with this film was the beginning: 3 murders with no plot and therefore no interest. I almost walked out by the third, then the plot started and it became more interesting.

Live Screenings Attendee

As a huge true-crime fan, I was really looking forward to this, and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere in Baton Rouge feels so suffocating. Knowing that Derrick Todd Lee was a real person makes every scene twice as terrifying. The way they blended facts with the narrative was seamless. Can't wait for Volume 2

Harper Evans

Bishop Stevens did a good job showing not just the crimes, but the panic and the racial tensions in the community regarding the DNA profiling. A sobering, difficult watch, but an important one.

Frederik Nielsen

Proper scary stuff. Truth is stranger and scarier than fiction.

Mate Kapanadze

I really liked how the film explored the why and how since we already know the who the killer was. I love true crime and I remember this story in the news. I will say, you do need to pay attention to the things the killer says when talking to the victims in order to learn why he feels the way he does about women. I will also say as a single woman myself, I will make sure my doors are locked before bed and no one is in my home before taking a shower or bath from now on.

Alan Silva

The subject matter is incredibly dark. I felt the pacing was a bit slow for a 101-minute runtime; it sometimes felt more like a TV movie. However, the psychological aspect of the investigation and the sheer terror of the victims were captured perfectly.

Lena Schmidt