Sound Unseen: 1-800-ON-HER-OWN

Information | Tickets

About Documentary

Ani DiFranco crashed onto the music scene in the early ‘90s, a thundering new voice in the cultural wilderness, unapologetically bisexual, political and feminist. She toured relentlessly, thrashing out hundreds of frenzied shows that were part mosh pit, part hootenanny and part full-on tent revival, then selling cassette tapes from the trunk of her car to make it to the next gig. Ani became a worldwide phenomenon when she beat the male-dominated music industry at its own game by founding Righteous Babe Records, the first “woman-run non-corporate queer-happy” label, still going strong after nearly 35 years. The press called her “an entrepreneurial wonder” and “the industry’s worst nightmare.” Prince called her “my hero.” Ani simply called herself a folk singer, dedicated to art, activism and staying true to herself, no matter the cost.

1-800-ON-HER-OWN takes us on a wild cinematic road trip, from DiFranco’s punk-folk past to her life today as she reinvents herself as a passionate activist and revered rock star. Throughout the ride, she’s brutally honest, famously foul-mouthed and totally hilarious. Her daily challenges resonate as we reveal both an enduring, inspiring musical icon and a very relatable contemporary “everywoman” with her own epic fails and hard-won victories.

About Sound Unseen

In the fall of 1999, Sound Unseen introduced itself as a unique, cutting edge “films-on-music” festival in Minneapolis. It has since established itself as one of the premier niche festivals in the country, but more importantly as a vital part of the regional cultural scene. Now in its 23rd year, the festival has expanded to include year-round programming, unique pop-up events, and special screenings including world and regional premieres. In 2021 they are also expanding to include live in person screenings in Austin, Texas.

Named “One of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals In The World” in 2016 and 2019 & “One of 20 Great Film Festivals for First-Time Moviemakers” in 2022 by MovieMaker Magazine, the “Best Winter Film Festival” by the Star Tribune 2012, and the “Best of the Fests 2010” from Mpls/St Paul Magazine, Sound Unseen continues its tenure as the region’s premier films-on-music festival. While bringing the best in documentaries, short films, and music videos it also showcases rare concert footage, interactive panels, and live music events. As part of its year-round presence, Sound Unseen offers a successful monthly screening series and special events throughout the Twin Cities. This diversity in content is one of the things that separates Sound Unseen from the typical outdoor mega concerts and film festivals.

Sound Unseen has received press coverage in local Minneapolis and Austin media outlets including The Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, City Pages, The Austin Chronicle, and Secrets of the City; radio stations The Current, KQRS, MPR, Radio K, KUTX, and KFAI and television news including NBC, FOX, and CBS. National media mentions have included Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and USA Today.