Janis Ian: Breaking Silence (2025)

Plot

In 1965, 14-year-old Janis Ian, a talented singer-songwriter from New Jersey, penned “Society’s Child,” a poignant song about an interracial romance. Released a year later, the track not only propelled Ian's career forward but also sparked intense backlash, including death threats. This turmoil led her into a deep emotional struggle. However, just a few years later, she rose again with her major hit “At Seventeen.” Over the past sixty years, Ian has earned ten Grammy nominations across eight categories, witnessed her song “Stars” covered by artists like Nina Simone and Cher, and bravely navigated challenges such as homophobia, misogyny, and a serious illness, leaving a lasting impact on the music world. The film also features appearances by legends like Joan Baez, Jean Smart, Arlo Guthrie, Lily Tomlin, and Tom Paxton.