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Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

American Masters | PBS PROJECT
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence by American Masters | PBS

credits

Title
  • Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Entrant
  • American Masters | PBS

About This Project

Summary

Discover the life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian and how she rose as a folk icon and gay rights advocate. She broke ground with “Society’s Child” (1966), a bold take on interracial love, and “At Seventeen” (1975), a searing anthem about bullying.

Goals & Objectives

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence aims to reveal the full scope of Ian’s musical legacy and personal journey. Known for pushing boundaries, she’s also a fierce advocate for free speech, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights—offering a powerful portrait of an artist who speaks for those on the margins.

Results & Impact

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence expands public understanding of a groundbreaking artist whose music and activism have challenged norms for decades. By centering her voice, the film uplifts LGBTQ+ stories, champions free expression, and inspires audiences to find strength in speaking out.

the team

Varda Bar-Kar
  • Director & Producer
Alessandra Pasquino
  • Producer
Brooke Wentz
  • Producer
Pierre Hauser
  • Executive Producer
Gloria Ann Evans
  • Executive Producer
Michael Kantor
  • Executive Producer