March 12, 2024
‘The Janes’ Directors Awarded Ridenhour Documentary Film Prize
WASHINGTON – Emma Pildes and Tia Lessin will be awarded the Ridenhour Documentary Film Prize for their 2022 HBO Documentary film ‘The Janes.’ The Ridenhour Documentary Film Prize is given to a documentary that, in the view of the judges, best reflects the legacy of Ron Ridenhour – journalist, whistleblower, truth-teller, and social activist. The Prize seeks to recognize a documentary that defends the public interest, advances or promotes social justice, or illuminates a more just vision of society.
‘The Janes’ is the story of an underground network of women in Chicago in the late 1960s and early ‘70s who provided safe, affordable, illegal abortions to women in need. Defying the state legislature that outlawed abortion, the Catholic Church that condemned it, and the Chicago Mob that was profiting from it, the members of Jane risked their personal and professional lives to help women in need. In the pre-Roe v. Wade era –– a time when abortion was a crime in most states and even circulating information about abortion was a felony in Illinois –– the Janes provided low-cost and free abortions to an estimated 11,000 women.
The Ridenhour Prizes Selection Committee commented:
“The Janes is a historical document, but no longer history. This powerful film showcases the strength individuals can have on a community, and the impact a community can have on the most vulnerable.”
The annual Ridenhour Prizes, now in their 20th year, recognize those who persevere in acts of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice or illuminate a more just vision of society. These prizes memorialize the spirit of fearless truth-telling that Ron Ridenhour, the My Lai massacre whistleblower and George Polk award-winning investigative reporter, reflected throughout his extraordinary life and career.
Pildes and Lessin will be awarded the Ridenhour Film Prize on March 28, 2024 at the 20th Annual Ridenhour Prizes Gala at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC. You can watch ‘The Janes’ now on HBO Max. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit the Ridenhour Prizes website.
Contact: Charlotte McCann, Ridenhour Prize Event Coordinator
Phone: (202) 926-3323
Email: [email protected]
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