Holly Near: Singing For Our Lives (2018)

Holly Near: Singing For Our Lives (2018). 1h 3m | Unrated

“This documentary film, recently broadcast on PBSu0026#39;s u0026quot;American Mastersu0026quot; series, is a brilliant example of how filmmakers, in this case Jim Brown who made the classic u0026quot;Wasnu0026#39;t That a Timeu0026quot; about the Weavers folk group, can shed light on history and people overlooked by the mainstream. I had known of Holly Near over the decades only in passing but this movie cements her central place in recent American history as both musical artist and activist.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAfter a single viewing Iu0026#39;m convinced she is a major player in crucial movements such as the Peace Movement, Womenu0026#39;s Rights, LGBT and even indie music. Last category showed her trailblazing record company Redwood Records that serves as a model for self-distribution.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWith luminaries like Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda interviewed to properly place Nearu0026#39;s role in so much progressive work, it is ultimately Hollyu0026#39;s winning personality, great empathy and terrific musical ability that comes through loud and clear here.”