Anita Hill Discusses Documentary, 20-Year Anniversary

Twenty-two years after Anita Hill accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, the law professor is in the spotlight again. In fact, she’s been there the whole time, the new documentary, “Anita,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Frieda Mock shows. The film premiered to a sold-out crowd at the Aspen Institute on Monday evening, and Hill was there to answer questions following its screening.

“We’re at a different place … and I measure that by what I hear from people,” she told the crowd. But, when on to say there is still a lot of room to grow.

The film tracks her appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, leading up to Thomas’ confirmation. Today, she is a professor of law and women’s studies at Brandeis University’s Heller School of Social Policy and Management and a frequent speaker on sexual discrimination and civil rights.

“The more we know, the more women will be willing to come forward if they know they can get a fair shake,” she says.

She also discussed implementing sexual harassment policy in the military, the obstacles facing women in politics, and the leadership of Vice President Joe Biden today versus his presence on the Senate Judiciary Committee which she sat in front of more than 20 years ago.

“There was a lack of leadership and there was poor judgment (on the committee),” she said, about the committee. “I hope he (Biden) has grown and uses better judgment today.”

“Anita” will be officially released this fall. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this winter with four sold-out screenings.