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A new documentary-drama about a pioneer in the fight for reproductive freedom.
At the turn of the last century, an act of Congress made it illegal to send any information about sex, contraception, or abortion through the U.S. mail.
But an iconoclastic feminist, spiritualist, and sex educator named Ida Craddock publicly challenged that law — and the law’s chief enforcer, Anthony Comstock. Defending the right of a woman to “control her own person,” she risked everything.
In an era when religious conservatives make no secret of their plan to use the 150-year-old Comstock Act to limit reproductive rights, Ida Craddock’s story is inspiring, illuminating, and timely.
Joey Albright as the evangelical “vice hunter,” Anthony Comstock.
Emily Sutton-Smith as the visionary sexologist, Ida C. Craddock.
Priscilla Lindsay as the activist, midwife, and early birth control advocate, Emma Goldman.
How Can We Support Your Mission?
live and virtual screening events + Q/A with the director
a presentation on the early “sex radicals” who challenged Comstock’s censorship, and defended women’s bodily autonomy
participation by the film’s director in panel discussions or conferences, with clips from the film
streaming of the movie for your members, or academic units
other needs or ideas? Let’s talk!
Please contact Producer Brenna Murphy for more information
brenna@newhistoryfilms.com
or click here:
About the Filmmaker
Photo by Chris Boyle
Andy Kirshner (writer, director, composer) uses film, theatre, music, dance, and archival research to explore complex social and historical questions. His work has been supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Michigan Council on the Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Michigan. His previous documentary-drama, Manufacturing Hate: 10 Questions for Henry Ford, screened at film festivals around the U.S., and has been the focus of many public events in community, cultural, and educational settings. An award-winning composer as well as filmmaker, Kirshner is Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, jointly appointed by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and the Stamps School of Art and Design. He has over 30 years of experience as an educator and a public speaker
Production of Sex Radical was made possible with support from the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Michigan.
Email producer brenna@newhistoryfilms.com for more information.
If you’d like to make a donation to help us distribute the film, please click here.