ON THE RECORD
Synopsis
A brilliant former hip hop executive grapples with whether to go public about her rape by one of the most powerful men in the music industry. A gripping and profound examination of race, gender, intersectionality, and the toll sexual abuse takes on survivors and on society at large.
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The Filmmakers
Kirby Dick Director and Producer
Kirby Dick is a two-time Emmy-award winning and two-time Academy award-nominated documentary film director. His most recent film, THE BLEEDING EDGE — a Netflix original investigative feature on the medical industry — premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim and was the recipient of 2019’s George Polk Award for Special Achievement in Investigative Journalism, an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award, and a Peabody and Grierson Trust (Best Science Documentary) nominations. His previous film, THE HUNTING GROUND, a monumental exposé of rape culture on college campuses— premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, was released by Radius and CNN, is the 2016 recipient of the Producer’s Guild of America’s Stanley Kramer Award, shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song. His earlier film, THE INVISIBLE WAR, a groundbreaking investigation into the epidemic of rape within the US military, won two Emmy Awards for Best Documentary and Outstanding Investigative Journalism, the 2012 Independent Spirit Award 2012 for Best Documentary, a Peabody Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award. Dick also directed TWIST OF FAITH, the story of a man confronting the trauma of his past sexual abuse by a Catholic priest, which was also nominated for an Academy Award. Other films include OUTRAGE, nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism; THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED, a breakthrough investigation of the MPAA’s secretive film ratings system; and DERRIDA, a complex portrait of the world-renowned French philosopher Jacques Derrida. He is the recipient of the Nestor Almendros Prize for Courage and Filmmaking, the Upton Sinclair Award, and the Ridenhour Documentary Film Prize.
Amy Ziering Director and Producer
Amy Ziering is a two-time Emmy Award–winning and Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker. Her most recent film, THE BLEEDING EDGE — a Netflix original investigative feature on the medical industry — premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim and was the recipient of 2019’s George Polk Award for Special Achievement in Investigative Journalism, an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award, and a Peabody and Grierson Trust (Best Science Documentary) nominations. Her previous film, THE HUNTING GROUND— a piercing, monumental exposé of rape culture on college campuses— premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, was released by Radius and CNN, is the 2016 recipient of the Producer’s Guild of America’s Stanley Kramer Award, shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song as well as the 2016 Emmy for Exceptional Merit - Documentary Filmmaking, and won the Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. Her earlier film, THE INVISIBLE WAR, a groundbreaking investigation into the epidemic of rape in the U.S. military, won the Audience Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, won two 2014 Emmy Awards for Best Documentary and Outstanding Investigative Journalism and was nominated for an Oscar. The film spurred Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to announce significant policy changes and catalyzed the passing of 35 pieces of reform legislation. She is also the Producer of OUTRAGE— an indictment of the hypocrisy of powerful, closeted politicians and the institutions that protect them, which received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Investigative Journalism. Ziering also co-directed and produced DERRIDA, a documentary about the world-renowned French philosopher. Ziering also executive produced Kirsten Johnson’s award winning and Oscar shortlisted CAMERAPERSON, and Josh Fox’s AWAKE - A Dream from Standing Rock. She is the 2012 recipient of the Nestor Almendros Prize for Courage and Filmmaking, the 2013 Ridenhour Documentary Film Prize, the 2013 Gracie Award for Outstanding Producer - News/Non-Fiction and the 2013 Peabody Award. She has worked with musical artists such as Academy Award winning composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto; Grammy award winner, Mary J. Blige; eight time Academy Award nominated songwriter, Diane Warren; and global superstar, Lady Gaga. She is a frequent commentator on CNN and MSNBC, and has appeared on The Daily Show and Good Morning America.
Updates
ON THE RECORD is now streaming on HBO Max!
5/27/20
ON THE RECORD is streaming on the brand-new HBO Max.
Don't miss this powerful and urgent film! Watch the trailer here.
ON THE RECORD will launch on HBO Max on May 27th
4/24/20
Don't miss ON THE RECORD on HBO Max starting Wednesday, May 27th. The film will premiere as part of the platform's launch.
Festivals & Awards
Sundance Film Festival
2020
This documentary presents the haunting story of music executive Drew Dixon, whose career and personal life have been deeply affected by the abuse she faced from the men she admired in the industry she loves. Directed by the Academy Award–nominated filmmaking duo Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (The Invisible War, 2012 Sundance Film Festival), the film follows Dixon (producer of hit records by 2Pac, Method Man, and Mary J. Blige) as she grapples with her decision to become one of the first women of color to come forward as part of the #MeToo movement. On The Record is a gripping, complex study of race, gender, and the shared feelings of helplessness and terror that come from abuse. Through her bravery, Dixon inspired many previously silenced women to share their stories. These incredibly strong silence-breakers discuss their reluctance to add to the dangerous mythology and vilification of black men, resulting in their refusal to make those allegations public for decades. On The Record is a well-needed impetus for broad positive change—not just in the music industry but throughout the world.
Reviews
“One of the 20 Best Films of Sundance 2020 Powerfully haunting ... A stunning feat of complexity, both contained and expansive, that lays bare how systemic sexism and misogyny deprive people of their livelihoods.”
“A thoughtful, sharply argued recalibration of how we think about truth telling in the age of #MeToo, specifically the difficulties that face women - especially women of color - who seek to come forward.”
“ON THE RECORD is powerful, necessary viewing.”