Anita: Speaking Truth To Power 2013
Previous FilmsAn entire country watched transfixed as a poised, beautiful African-American woman in a blue dress sat before a Senate committee of 14 white men and with a clear, unwavering voice recounted the repeated acts of sexual harassment she had endured while working with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. That October day in 1991 Anita Hill, a bookish law professor from Oklahoma, was thrust onto the world stage and instantly became a celebrated, hated, venerated, and divisive figure.
Anita Hill’s graphic testimony was a turning point for gender equality in the U.S. and ignited a political firestorm about sexual misconduct and power in the workplace that resonates still today. She has become an American icon, empowering millions of women and men around the world to stand up for equality and justice.Lar
Against a backdrop of sex, politics, and race, ANITA reveals the intimate story of a woman who spoke truth to power. Directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Freida Mock, the film is both a celebration of Anita Hill’s legacy and a rare glimpse into her private life with friends and family, many of whom were by her side that fateful day 22 years ago. Anita Hill courageously speaks openly and intimately for the first time about her experiences that led her to testify before the Senate and the obstacles she faced in simply telling the truth. She also candidly discusses what happened to her life and work in the 22 years since.
The Filmmakers
Freida Lee Mock, Director
Freida Mock is an Academy Award and Emmy Award–winning filmmaker, a director, writer, and producer of feature length and short form theatrical documentary films. These include the Oscar winner Maya Lin: A Strong Vision, a feature film about the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Mock’s other Oscar-nominated films include: Rose Kennedy, a Life to Remember; SING! about one of the best U.S. children’s choruses; Never Give UP, about the Holocaust survivor and conductor Dr. Herbert Zipper; and To Live or Let Die, a story that explores the ethics in neonatal intensive care. Her recent films are: Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner; Return with Honor, presented by Tom Hanks and Playtone; the feature documentary Sing China! filmed in China prior to the Beijing Olympics and featuring the world-renowned LA Children’s Chorus, and Lt. Watada, shortlisted for the 2010 Oscars, about the first military officer to refuse to deploy to Iraq and to speak out about the war’s illegality. Mock’s newest documentary film, Anita – Speaking Truth to Power, chronicle the life and times of Anita Hill. Mock was the first Governor elected to the new Documentary Branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and served as Governor and Chair for five years. She is presently co-chair of the DGA Awards Documentary selection Committee. Mock received a B.A. from UC Berkeley, where she did graduate work in history and law. She is a partner in the Los Angeles–based Sanders & Mock Productions and co-founder of the nonprofit American Film Foundation that specializes in producing films on the arts, sciences, and humanities.