Anita Hill, Jamie Redford Host Films at Napa Valley Film Fest

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY AL FRANCIS

Two famous personalities appeared along with their documentary films Saturday at the Napa Valley Opera House as part of this week's Napa Valley Film Festival.

Anita Hill answered questions after the showing of her film "Anita" about her 1991 Senate testimony concerning sexual harassment, power, and politics. She was accompanied by Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, who directed and produced the film.

Hill was dramatically propelled into the national spotlight during live televised  Senate hearings in 1991 over her unwanted sexual advances allegations by Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas.

Also appearing Saturday was filmmaker Jamie Redford, who co-directed along with Kirby Walker "Toxic Hot Seat,"  concerning the dangers of flame retardants in homes.

The film, which concerns Big Tobacco and chemical company efforts to obscure the risk to public health, is scheduled to be aired on HBO later this month.

The two co-directors participated in a Saturday afternoon Q&A after the showing at the Napa Opera House.

 
Sunday's Napa Valley Film Festival offerings include a screening of "Sound City" directed by Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl at 3 p.m. at the Uptown Theatre Napa, followed by a Q & A. An awards presentation and wrap party will follow later Sunday at the Uptown.

To see a film schedule, click here.