Genre
Synopsis
Over her 89 years, Liz Carpenter was often front and center where history was unfolding, leaving her own indelible mark on some of the most vivid moments and movements that shaped the twentieth century. Journalist, vice-presidential advisor, White House official, author, humorist, political activist, and feminist leader—hers is the story of blazing professional trails while pushing forward an agenda for women’s rights, political engagement, and the environment that remains highly relevant today. SHAKING IT UP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LIZ CARPENTER tells Liz’s story using archival film and still images, interviews from those who knew her, journalists who covered the history as it was made, and scholars who study this remarkable past.
Bio
Abby Ginzberg, a Peabody award-winning director, has been producing compelling documentaries about race and social justice for over 35 years. Her latest film, Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter (co-directed with Christy Carpenter) premiered at SXSW in March, 2024 in the Documentary Spotlight section. Her short film, Judging Juries, premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in February, 2024, and won an Outstanding Achievement award from the Accolade Global Film Awards. Her film, Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power, won the 2022 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary. This intimate and compelling film, about Representative Barbara Lee, who is best known for her lone NO vote against the use of military force following the 9/11 attacks, is available on Amazon Prime and Starz. Abby also produced A Double Life, directed by Catherine Masud, which premiered at the 2023 Mill Valley Film Festival and won an Audience Favorite award.
Abby is also the co-producer of American Justice on Trial, co-directed by Andrew Abrahams and Herb Ferrette, which premiered at the 2022 San Francisco International Film Festival, and won Best Short documentary from the Pan African Film Festival. Waging Change, her 2019 documentary, is about the challenges faced by tipped servers who are forced to rely on their tips and the federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13 per hour. It was broadcast on public television in February and March 2021.
Screening History
World Premiere - SXSW Documentary Spotlight 2024
Dallas International Film Festival 2024
DocLands Film Festival 2024
LBJ Library 2024
DC/DOX 2024
Credits
Cast - Dan Rather
Cast - Luci Baines Johnson
Cast - Lynda Johnson Robb