Anita: Speaking Truth to Power 2013
Distributed by First Run Features, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036; 212-243-0600
Produced by Freida Mock
Directed by Freida Mock
DVD , color, 77 min.
Sr. High - General Adult
Ethics, Human Rights, African Americans, Gender, History, Journalism, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Women
Date Entered: 08/06/2014
ALA Notable: yes
Reviewed by Andrew Koval, MSLS
Mock’s Anita: Speaking Truth to Power documents and discusses sexual harassment in the workplace through a case study of Anita Hill’s experience when working for the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission under Clarence Thomas. As a result, a public congressional hearing followed to determine the validity of the allegations brought against Thomas by Hill. Mock linearly illustrates the series of events providing actual footage from the hearing. The material focuses on the tense and uncomfortable line of questioning directed at Hill. Congressional leadership demonstrated how ill equipped the country was to competently manage discussion on sexual harassment in the 1990’s.
From this framework, the documentary utilizes articulate and informed professionals who have studied and witnessed the hearing. These experts give analysis through historical, legal, journalistic and political perspectives that corroborated the victimization of Anita Hill by Thomas and the congressional committee. Anita Hill is prominently featured explaining her account of the events. Mock appeals to the viewer’s sense of reason and humanity to express the point that injustice occurred due to politics.
Mock’s documentary is powerful and effective. Still, the documentary runs longer than it should, particularly in the final twenty minutes as statements become redundant. The last twenty minutes could easily become a segment in the DVD’s special features which already includes a keynote address by Anita Hill. The film is most appropriate for public, high school, law and academic library collections.