Ruth Westheimer reflects on her life as a prominent sex therapist in New York City. As she nears her 90th birthday, Westheimer recounts her experiences as a Holocaust survivor and her rise to fame through her 1987 TV series Ask Dr. Ruth. The film covers her influence on sexual health education and societal attitudes toward sexuality. Directed by Ryan White, it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2019, and won accolades at several film festivals.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

Meet Ruth Westheimer, America's favorite sex therapist.
See her candid reflections on life before turning 90.
Find out about her rise to fame on late-night TV.

Did You Know

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2019.
Ask Dr. Ruth earned $93,128 during its domestic opening weekend.
The film holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 85 reviews.
It was nominated for Best Documentary at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.

Perfect For

Sex education advocatesFans of documentary filmsRuth Westheimer enthusiasts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Ask Dr. Ruth?

Ask Dr. Ruth was directed by Ryan White.

What awards did Ask Dr. Ruth win?

Ask Dr. Ruth won Best Documentary Feature at the Calgary Underground Film Festival and Unforgettable at the Cinema Eye Honor Awards.

When did Ask Dr. Ruth premiere at the Sundance Film Festival?

Ask Dr. Ruth premiered on January 25, 2019, at the Sundance Film Festival.

Awards & Festivals

View all →

Sundance Film Festival

2019 • Award

Miami International Film Festival

2019 • Official selection

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival

2019 • Official selection

DOC NYC

2019 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

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