Currently Browsing: Jan Lisa Huttner
Art heals. I spend a great deal of time reading and writing about that healing as critically as possible: How well and how much does art heal? When is it too late, when is it insufficient and when has it left out those who need it most?
But in this immediate cultural moment, after news of an ongoing humanitarian crisis remains on our feeds, and New York City continues its own social struggles, I approached the New Museum’s Herstory, a first retrospective of American artist Judy Chicago, with nothing but the urgency to seek out art as a salve for this aching feeling.… read more.
In 2019, Richard Brody (New Yorker magazine’s art house film critic) criticized Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir, writing: “A far more conventional director might have been inclined to ask more questions of the script, to show more of the action, to reveal more about the characters, and, as a result, to make a more engaging and insightful movie.”… read more.
Eight years ago today, Janis: Little Girl Blue released to U.S. theaters. The documentary follows the life of acclaimed singer-songwriter and rock star Janis Joplin. Through archival footage mixed with powerful narration by Cat Powers (a contemporary woman rocker), the director takes her viewers on a journey into the legend of one of the most celebrated rock and roll icons.… read more.
Today, FF2 is proud to celebrate a great actress and filmmaker who is also a renowned humanitarian. Ten years ago today, Angelina Jolie was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. The prestigious award is given at the Governors Awards by AMPAS (the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) to a person within the film industry with an exceptional commitment to humanitarian endeavors.… read more.
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the release of Kelly Hall-Tompkins’ album In My Own Voice. To celebrate the occasion, FF2 looks back at Kelly’s extraordinary career, from her achievements as a world-renowned violinist to her work as a social justice advocate.
Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Kelly began learning the violin at nine years old.… read more.
Yes, Sarah Kernochan has won two Academy Awards. But that barely scratches the surface of her decades-long career, where she has been everything from director to novelist to screenwriter to musician.
“I didn’t have any ambition to be a director, and certainly not a documentary filmmaker,” Sarah said, looking back on her Academy-Award winning feature, Marjoe.… read more.