This riveting documentary revisits the 1991 testimony of Anita Hill at the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. It is still disturbing to see her sitting alone at that table in front of the all-white, all-male Senate Judiciary Committee—and Orrin Hatch’s ugly badger face—while they make her go over the details again and again. The amazing way that she was treated like she was on trial, when in fact she was a witness in front of the committee, is infuriating: the race-baiting, the accusations of lying, the patronizing attitudes. The film also sees current-day Anita Hill looking back at that time and shows her continuing work for equality and social justice. Her testimony started the national dialogue on sexual harassment and also completely changed the trajectory of her life. Anita is really worth seeing.
Anita plays again Sun May 26 at the Renton Performing Arts Center at 3:30 pm and on Mon May 27 at the Egyptian Theater at 10 am. Director Freida Mock will be in attendance.