Watch Anita: Speaking Truth To Power

Anita: Speaking Truth to Power is a documentary film that revolves around the life of Anita Hill, a pioneering African-American lawyer and academic activist. The movie traces the course of her career, which was marked by a seminal and defining episode of sexual harassment, which forever altered the cultural and political landscape of America.

The story starts in 1991, when Hill courageously stood up against her former boss and Supreme Court nominee, Clarence Thomas, who had allegedly subjected her to unwanted advances and lewd remarks. Hill's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which was presided over by then-Senator and now-Vice President Joe Biden, electrified the nation and sparked a national conversation about gender, power, and accountability.

Anita: Speaking Truth to Power captures the momentous events of the Hill-Thomas hearings through a mix of archival footage, interviews, and reenactments. The movie is anchored by candid and thought-provoking exchanges between Hill and a range of prominent figures, including journalists, politicians, and activists.

One of the most powerful themes that emerge from the film is the depth of the gender divide that still exists in America. Hill's experience highlights the systemic and pervasive nature of sexual harassment, which continues to be a pressing issue today, more than three decades later. The movie underscores the importance of listening to the voices of those who have been marginalized and mistreated, and of creating safe spaces for them to speak truth to power.

Another key theme is the crucial role of leadership in effecting change. The film showcases the leadership qualities of Hill, who remained calm, poised, and dignified in the face of intense scrutiny and personal attacks. Hill's bravery inspired a generation of women to run for office, speak out against injustice, and demand equal treatment under the law.

The movie also explores the dynamics of power and politics in Washington, D.C. It offers insight into the inner workings of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which was tasked with vetting Thomas's nomination to the Supreme Court. The committee's handling of Hill's allegations was widely criticized at the time as a travesty of justice, but the movie shows how the proceedings unfolded from the perspective of the key players involved.

In addition to Hill and Biden, the movie features interviews with a range of other influential figures. These include Jill Abramson, the former executive editor of The New York Times, who reflects on the role of the media in shaping public opinion; and John Carr, a senior advisor to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, who speaks to the enduring legacy of the Hill-Thomas hearings and the church's response to the sexual abuse crisis.

Anita: Speaking Truth to Power is a compelling and insightful portrait of a pivotal moment in American history. The movie offers a timely reminder of the need to remain vigilant in the face of injustice, and to hold those in power accountable for their actions. At the same time, it celebrates the power of leadership, courage, and determination in driving social change.

Anita: Speaking Truth To Power is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 68.