Film Lens
Mighty Ira is a documentary that profiles Ira Glasser, who served as the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) from 1978 to 2001. The film focuses on Glasser's commitment to free speech and racial justice, particularly his defense of the rights of neo-Nazis to rally in Skokie, Illinois, a suburb with a significant population of Holocaust survivors. This controversial case is central to understanding Glasser's philosophy on civil liberties and the complexities of free speech in America.
The film also touches on Glasser's personal life, including his friendship with conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. and his childhood as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan. The title
Why Watch
- •Meet Ira Glasser, a key figure in civil liberties.
- •See the Skokie case through Glasser's perspective.
- •Find out about Glasser's friendship with William F. Buckley Jr.
Did You Know
•Ira Glasser was ACLU's executive director from 1978 to 2001.
•The film won the grand prize at the 2021 Anthem Film Festival.
•The filmmakers released the film in October 2020 due to COVID-19.
Perfect For
Civil liberties advocatesHistory buffsFans of political documentaries