The story of the legal battle to free a woman from prison after 26 years took the top documentary award at the Heartland Film Festival.

“Crime after Crime” tells the story of Debbie Peagler, a victim of domestic violence who was incarcerated for more than 26 years, and the efforts to free her. She was serving life in prison in connection to the murder of her abusive boyfriend. Two young attorneys with no criminal law experience took her case. The documentary was filmed in and out of prison over the course of five years.

Also showing during the film festival is the documentary, “The Loving Story,” about an interracial couple arrested and exiled from Virginia, and their battle before the Supreme Court of the United States.

The festival runs through Oct. 22 in Indianapolis. For information on the movies or show times, visit the Heartland Film Festival website.