"This film is based on transcripts of over 200 interviews with the people of Laramie, Wyoming."--Title screens. In October 1998, 21 year-old Matthew Shepard had been found savagely beaten, tied to a fence, and left to die. National media attention made his case a cause célèbre, and a month later, off Broadway writer-director Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theatre (his collaborating actors) arrived. They succeeded in interviewing a wide range of relevant persons, from those who knew Shepard or knew the accused to police, university, and hospital personnel and community members. Then they wrote a play.

Based on the play "The Laramie Project" written by Moisés Kaufman and the members of Tectonic Theater Project. Originally produced for broadcast on HBO in 2002. Full screen (presentation aspect ratio 4:3) or widescreen (presentation aspect ratio 16:9) versions. Special features: Cast & director biographies [text feature]; The making of "The Laramie Project" [text feature]; Featurette 1 [featurette] (5 min.); Featurette 2 [featurette] (4 min.).

Arriving in Laramie -- Remembering Matthew -- Wyoming queer -- Karaoke night -- Statement of facts -- Media coverage -- "What were you thinking?" -- Exposed to HIV -- Nationwide vigil -- Gay lifestyle -- Parade tag -- Religious perspective -- Funeral -- State vs. Russell Henderson -- Guardian angels -- State vs. Aaron McKinney -- Sparkling lights -- End credits.