Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Janis Ian: Breaking Silence” showing April 11-17 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre.
In 1965, Janis Ian — a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from New Jersey — wrote “Society’s Child” about an interracial relationship. Recorded and released a year later, the song launched Ian’s career, but its subject matter ignited controversy, even resulting in death threats. The fallout plunged Ian into an emotional tailspin–and yet a few years later she emerged from the ashes with an even bigger hit, “At Seventeen.”
Over six decades, Janis Ian gained ten Grammy nominations in eight different categories, saw her song “Stars” recorded by such luminaries as Nina Simone and Cher, and overcame homophobia, misogyny, and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to draw audiences around the globe.
“Janis Ian: Breaking Silence” features interviews with Ian’s extraordinary community of friends and collaborators, including folk luminaries Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Tom Paxton, as well as Hollywood greats Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, and Laurie Metcalf. Her notable work has earned her an honored place in folk and pop music history.
Janis Ian continues to influence new generations of artists and activists. While she embraces her Jewish upbringing, upholds feminist values, and advocates for LGBQT+ rights, her story and music transcend the boundaries of identity politics, making her career a universal story relatable to all.
“A tale of love, loss, and life-altering lyricism with the same tenderness of Ian’s songwriting. Even if you’re not a fan, you might be moved to tears.” — Rolling Stone
“Few people have written about life’s growing pains more affectingly.” — The New York Times
“Janis Ian’s confessional folk-pop is sensational.” — The Guardian
“Janis Ian: Breaking Silence” will be shown at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre April 11-17. Showtimes will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, April 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 15, 16 and 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12 general admission, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.
