Janis Ian: Breaking Silence

Honored as a Winner

For The 5th Annual Anthem Award

Varda Bar-Kar Directed
Acclaimed Documentary Film Gains Media Praise
And International Film Festival Laurels

The Star-Studded Feature
Available in Select Theaters, on DVD,
And Video-on-Demand

 

LOS ANGELES – As Janis Ian continues to make her mark in culture as an award-winning singer-songwriter, author, and activist, the documentary about her extraordinary journey through the first six-plus decades of her life is making an equal impact on audiences worldwide. Throughout the past year, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, a film directed by Varda Bar-Kar, has opened to acclaim and accolades.

This week, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence was named a Silver Winner in Education, Art & Culture: Documentary or Film for the Anthem Awards.

The 5th Annual Anthem Awards received more than 2,000 submissions from 42 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. The winners were chosen by the members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), who judge on the criteria that each entry celebrates purpose and mission-driven work from people, companies, and organizations.

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, which debuted as an Official Selection at DOC NYC in November 2024 where it was one of the “top ten films” viewed, was named “Best of Fest-Top Films” at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival. It has received the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 35th Annual San Diego International Jewish Film Festival (SDIJFF), Audience Award Winner at the 2024 Jewish International Film Festival in Australia, Audience Award, Best Documentary at the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival 2025, and was a Jury Award nominee at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.

Worldwide screenings have been held at film festivals in countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and the US, as well as in theaters across the US where Ian and Bar-Kar often appeared for in-person Q&A sessions. It had its national broadcast debut on PBS’ American Masters in the US and Canada, and in the Netherlands on the Dutch public broadcasting station, NPO 2.

Critics have praised the feature, with Rolling Stone stating “Janis Ian is a living, breathing trailblazer. Let’s Listen to her.” SPIN notes in a feature about the documentary, “Before Billie Eilish, broke many ‘youngest ever’ records, before Chappell Roan became a queer icon, before Carole King brought Semitic sex appeal to the stage, before Taylor Swift’s spiteful Taylor’s Versions, before Phoebe Bridgers gave a voice to mental health issues, before Kathleen Hanna shouted about women’s issues and Tracy Chapman about race issues, there was Janis Ian.”

After seeing the film, Deadline called Ian “one of the great songwriters of all-time, (she) is a captivating raconteur,” while NPR’s Fresh Air adds “Ian is captivating,” and Best Classic Bands said “you can’t help but like (Ian), and to root for her, while simultaneously marveling at her sheer talent and impenetrable braveness.”

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence features Janis Ian, friends, and collaborators, including Joan Baez, Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, Laurie Metcalf, and Arlo Guthrie.

It tells the story from the beginning in the mid-60s, when Ian, a teenage singer-songwriter from New Jersey, scores a controversial hit single called “Society’s Child,” about an interracial love relationship. The song launches her illustrious career but also ignites death threats, plunging her into an emotional tailspin – only to emerge from the ashes in the 1970s with an even bigger hit, “At Seventeen,” ahead of its time in confronting lookism and bullying. Ian overcomes significant obstacles – embezzlement, record industry misogyny, homophobia, and heartbreak – to find love and produce an indelible body of searingly honest songs that earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim.

In addition to screenings, Janis Ian: Breaking Silence is currently available on video-on-demand and for purchase on DVD. For more details on go to: www.janisiandocumentary.com/view-rent-buy  

About Janis Ian 

Janis Ian is 10-time GRAMMY nominee (three-time winner) whose songs and performances have resonated with a diverse group of fans for more than six decades. She is one of just a handful of artists who have received nominations in eight completely different categories. Raised by activist Jewish parents on a New Jersey farm, she currently lives in Florida with her partner and wife of 36 years. Ian received her first GRAMMY nomination in 1967 for “Best Folk Album” with Janis Ian , featuring “Society’s Child.” She took home her first GRAMMY in 1975 for “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female – At Seventeen,” and her second for “Best Spoken Word Album – Society’s Child: My Autobiography” in 2013. Her 2023 GRAMMY nomination for “Best Folk Album,” The Light at the End of the Line , brought her full circle.

Never one to rest on her laurels, Ian continues to release new projects. In May 2025, the never- released single “One In A Million ” performed by Ian and Joan Baez was made available. Co- written by Ian and Jess Leary, it is an anthem for change and a reminder that your dreams are still attainable, do not lose hope.

And in June, Janis Ian – From Me To You: Live In Bremen 2004 became available. The double-CD release is the first album of a full live-show in 47 years. For more information, please visit JanisIan.com.

She is also making appearances to support the theatrical release of a documentary about her life and work. Janis Ian: Breaking Silence is helmed by award-winning director/producer Varda Bar- Kar, best known for Big Voice (Netflix, PBS) and Fandango at the Wall (Max). The film made its broadcast premiere on PBS’ famed American Masters in June 2025 , features interviews with friends including Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, Laurie Metcalf, and others.