1-800-ON-HER-OWN
Interview with Director Dana Flor
Opens April 18 at Film Forum
Describe the film for us in your own words.
1-800-ON-HER-OWN follows groundbreaking musician/feminist Ani DiFranco, founder of the first “woman-run non-corporate queer-happy” label, Righteous Babe Records, on a wild road trip from her punk-folk past to her life today as an activist and rock star. The film introduces viewers to an artistically evolving, ardently self-evaluating version of the rebel prodigy; and draws the audience into the vulnerable, real-time struggles of a middle-aged righteous babe who remains resolutely true to herself, no matter the cost.
What drew you to this story?
For many years, I’ve worked almost exclusively on films with male subjects and as a woman director I really wanted my next film to have a strong inspiring female protagonist.
I had the opportunity to meet up with Ani at the end of her grinding, sleep deprived tour and was told she only had 10 minutes. We talked for 3 hours and had an instant affinity for one another. It was clear to me that she was a fascinating, funny badass whose life and work was rich material for an inspiring and timely film.
I was intrigued with what obstacles the male world of rock and roll had thrown in her path throughout her life. I wondered why someone who has played with Springsteen, toured with Dylan, been a hero to Prince and has put out 23 beloved albums wasn’t given more recognition. Why was someone like Ani who had reached such critical and economic success struggling so hard at this moment in her life? And how do women who raise children manage to maneuver their careers and redefine their lives?
Being a female in an industry where women are underrepresented, her story resonated with me. I personally felt a real connection with her journey overall, from young girl to a woman in her 50s, and felt like the lyrics of her songs could be the soundtrack for many of our lives. I know that stories told about women who manage to smash through glass ceilings are crucial to inspire more to do the same.
What do you want people to think about?
It's always interesting to me what people get from seeing this movie. It’s different for every person, and frequently they see and experience things I never intended. I hope people leave feeling inspired. I hope they laugh.
What was the biggest challenge in making this?
The biggest challenge is one I think I share with a lot of independent film makers; funding. It’s tough out there!
What was the development process? How did you get green lit?
This film was made in the DIY spirit of the subject herself. It has been from the get-go a scrappy lean team with few resources but a lot of tenacity. We’ve been lucky to have been fueled by grants and private investors, but it’s also been hugely helpful that my other job has been running my family farm and making money selling hay and cows.
What inspired you to become a storyteller?
I think every story that has drawn me in has been a question in search of an answer. Often, it’s not until I finish the film that I realize what that question was. I’m also consistently fascinated by subjects that are often overlooked or underrepresented.
What’s the best and worst advice you've received?
Best Advice; “Talk is cheap-just go do it! “
Worst Advice; “Cool idea for a film, but it will never sell, don’t do it.”
What advice do you have for other female creatives?
Believe in yourself more, doubt yourself less.
Name your favorite woman directed film and why.
I am a HUGE fan of Lucretia Martel, an Argentine director. All of her films are amazing but I love Zama in particular.
Check the website for additional screenings.
BIO:
Dana Flor is a documentary director, producer and writer based in Washington D.C. Flor co-directed and produced the film Check It, a feature length documentary about a black gay gang in DC that premiered at Tribeca. Flor also co-directed and produced The Nine Lives of Marion Barry a feature length documentary about the notorious politician that appeared on HBO and played closing night at the Silverdocs Film Festival. Flor wrote and directed the Emmy award-winning documentary Latinos in Beisbol and the Emmy-nominated documentary Cesar Chavez for NBC. She began as a news reporter and producer working on a wide-range of stories for Reuters Television, CNN, BBC, National Geographic, and others - covering breaking news throughout Latin America and around the world. Flor is a recipient of a Tribeca Film Institute Documentary Fund Grant, the DC Arts and Humanities Artist Fellowship, a Pare Lorenz Fund Grant and as a AFI Docs/NBC Universal Impact Grant. She also won an Influence Film Award from the Tribeca Documentary Fund.