It can be hard to remember in times like this, but there are actually people in Congress who are on the right side of history. A documentary about one of them has landed at Greenwich Entertainment, a press release has confirmed. Abby Ginzberg’s “Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power” will open in North American theaters August 20.
“Featuring interviews with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cory Booker, Alice Walker, John Lewis, and Van Jones, ‘Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth To Power’ is an intimate, inspiring, and timely portrait of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true pioneer on behalf of racial and economic justice and the lone voice in opposition to the authorization of military force after the September 11th attacks,” the film’s synopsis details. “A unique selection of political commentators, activists, politicians, and family members add depth to the story of the highest-ranking Black woman in the United States Congress.”
“Speaking Truth to Power” previously screened at DOC NYC 2020. Ginzberg produced and Shola Lynch (“Chisholm ’72,”) served as consulting producer.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Greenwich Entertainment to bring the film to a wider audience,” Ginzberg said. “It has been an honor to tell Barbara Lee’s compelling story. We look forward to sharing it with people across the country who we expect will be inspired by her journey as a single mom raising two children while attending Mills College to her current influential role in the House of Representatives.”
Lee began serving in the House in 1998 and is currently in her 12th term. She represents California’s 13th district, which includes Oakland and most of northern Alameda County. She holds leadership roles in the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, and the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, among others. Lee was previously elected to the California State Senate and California State Assembly.
Prior to her political career, Lee worked on Shirley Chisholm’s historic presidential campaign and served as her delegate at the 1972 Democratic National Convention.
“Waging Change,” “And Then They Came for Us,” and “Soft Vengeance: Albie Sachs and the New South Africa” are also among Ginzberg’s docs. The latter won a Peabody in 2014.
In an interview with Women and Hollywood, Ginzberg shared advice for women directors: “Try to find the stories that you are the best person to tell — either because of your personal experience or because of your commitment to the subject matter,” she urged. “Many of the best films being produced today shine a light on areas of the world and struggles that the rest of us know little or nothing about, so finding the story that only you can tell is an important place to start.”
