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.

“One of the most fascinating career trajectories in pop music.”

NPR

“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

awards & festivals

screenings

Venue City Opening Date
Boca JCC Film Festival Boca Raton, FL 02/17/2025
Sacramento Jewish Film Festival Sacramento, CA 02/20/2025
East Bay International Jewish Film Festival Pleasant Hill, CA 02/24/2025
Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival Phoenix, AZ 02/25/2025
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Sandy Springs, GA 02/26/2025
Sarasota Jewish Film Festival Sarasota, FL 03/02/2025
Brazina Documentary Film Series Naples, FL 03/04/2025
Maine Jewish Film Festival Portland, ME 03/06/2025
JxJ: DC Jewish Film + Music Washington, DC 03/06/2025
AMC Rolling Hills Torrance, CA 03/19/2025
Seattle Jewish Film Festival Mercer Island, WA 03/22/2025
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 03/22/2025
New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival Bedford, NH 03/23/2025
Houston Jewish Film Festival Houston, TX 03/24/2025
The Village @ SOPAC South Orange, NJ 03/26/2025
IFC Center New York, NY 03/27/2025
Upstate Films / Orpheum Theatre Saugerties, NY 03/31/2025
The JPT Film & Event Center Newport, RI 04/03/2025
Laemmle NoHo North Hollywood, CA 04/03/2025
Laemmle Monica Film Center Santa Monica, CA 04/04/2025
= one-off screening