What’s Under Your Hat? 2008
Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Produced by Julio Medem
Directed by Lola Barrera and Iñaki Peñafiel
DVD, color, 75 min.
Sr. High - Adult
Mental Disabilities, Artists
Date Entered: 09/03/2009
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgWhat’s Under Your Hat? Is a rare and extraordinary look into the world of a 62 year old deaf woman who suffers from Down syndrome who also happens to be gifted fiber artist/sculptor. Luckily for viewers, Spanish director Julio Medem has produced a documentary with loving vision. Judith Scott was born a fraternal twin. She now lives with her twin Joyce who is interviewed throughout the film, giving revealing insights to their relationship and her sister’s incredible talent. Joyce relates the pain she experienced when Judith was institutionalized as a child and her subsequent journey to retain custodial rights for her sister. Judith is a fascinating character, who drapes her head in scarves and hats with the panache of an Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale, thus the title’s reference. Her work is truly spectacular and a result of a unique talent. Her art is no accident of chance. Directors Lola Barerra and Iñaki Peñafiel weave their own magic here with emotion and heart, never with sentimentality. They explore the delicate synergy between mental disability and creativity. What’s Under Your Hat? is an honest and engaging documentary that stirs unexpected emotion. Highly recommended for all libraries.