Singer-songwriter Janis Ian spent her Jewish childhood on her family’s chicken farm in New Jersey. She was catapulted into stardom and then controversy as a teenager, with her surprise hit “Society’s Child,” about interracial love, and her piercingly bittersweet hit song “At Seventeen,” about body shaming. Her life and career have had remarkable ups and downs, all depicted in this thoroughly absorbing documentary that features rare material from her vast personal archive and fascinating interviews with family, friends, and musicians with whom she worked. A compelling story about a uniquely gifted and resilient artist that feels epic in scope.

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Pre-recorded Q&A with Filmmaker Varda Bar-Kar
Tickets: $13 (members), $18 (nonmembers)
This film is part of the Jewish Film Festival 2025 series.
The 2025 Jewish Film Festival is sponsored by:
Anonymous (2)
Roberta & Joseph Rosenblum
Beverly Frank
Susan & Kenneth Sankin
As of 3.11.25
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