Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

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. Featuring Janis Ian, Joan Baez, Jean Smart, Arlo Guthrie, Lily Tomlin, and Tom Paxton, among other icons.

“Bar-Kar tells this 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

awards & festivals

screenings

Venue City Opening Date
Amherst Cinemas Amherst, MA 07/04/2025
Rochester Jewish Film Festival Rochester, NY NY 07/17/2025
The Kate Old Saybrook, CT CT 07/27/2025
In person Q&A with Janis Ian
White Mountain Jewish Film Festival Bethlehem, NH NH 07/31/2025
Sellersville Theater Sellersville, PA PA 09/11/2025
Post screening in person Q&A with Janis Ian
Johnson Hall Opera House Gardiner, ME ME 09/24/2025
In person Q&A with Janis Ian
Stone Mountain Arts Center Brownfield, ME ME 09/25/2025
In person Q&A with Janis Ian
Cafe Lena Saratoga Springs, NY NY 09/27/2025
Assembly Kingston, NY NY 09/28/2025
In person Q&A with Janis Ian