38th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Available in 28d 10h 54m 44s
Available June 21, 2025 4:00 AM UTC
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2 films in package
Silence = Death
On May 21, 1990, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) storms the National Institutes of Health to protest the lack of AIDS treatments. From his office, Dr. Anthony Fauci watches. Meanwhile, a young gay filmmaker captures the events while trying to bring Fauci an important package.
Closed captions available
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
The story of lesbian singer Janis Ian’s epic life journey, from her Jewish childhood on a chicken farm through the release of her disruptive album, “Breaking Silence.” Based on a vast archive and personal recollections, this in-depth documentary balances intimacy with a sweeping historical and contemporary context.
Closed captions available
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The story of lesbian singer Janis Ian’s epic life journey, from her Jewish childhood on a chicken farm through the release of her disruptive album, “Breaking Silence.” Based on a vast archive and personal recollections, this in-depth documentary balances intimacy with a sweeping historical and contemporary context. Opening short: Silence = Death

Lesbian singer/songwriter Janis Ian has sparked controversy, endured death threats, and survived spousal abuse, all while earning 10 Grammy nominations and having her songs sung by the likes of Nina Simone and Cher. This is her epic story, from her Jewish childhood on a New Jersey chicken farm through the release of her disruptive album, “Breaking Silence.” Based on a vast archive and the personal recollections of Ian herself, plus Joan Baez, Jean Smart, Arlo Guthrie, Lily Tomlin, and Tom Paxton, among other icons. 

  • Year
    2024
  • Runtime
    114 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    USA
  • Premiere
    Connecticut
  • Content Warning
    Racism, N-word, Homophobia, Domestic Violence, Murder mention
  • Director
    Varda Bar-Kar
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