Amy Ray and Emily Sailers, better known as The Indigo Girls, have made their mark as musicians, songwriters, and dedicated activists. Still, Amy and Emily battled misogyny, homophobia, and a harsh cultural climate chastising them for not fitting into a female pop star mold. A timely look into the obstacles, activism, and life lessons of two queer friends who never expected to make it big.
Below is a quick conversation/review we had with a two of the documentary attendees at the "It’s Only Life After All" Screening.
Atlanta Film and TV: Tell us who you are and how long you’ve been a fan of the Indigo Girls?
Kim Gordon “My name is Kim Gordon, and I’ve been an Indigo Girls fan for over thirty years.”
Atlanta Film and TV: The Indigo Girls are local to the Decatur, GA area, an area that you live in. Can you share about how you personally know the Indigo Girls?
Kim Gordon: “Even though I do not know either of them personally, I have many connections to the Indigo Girls. I am a teacher at the school where Emily's daughter attended. Amy's brother is my doctor, and her sister-in-law is a co-worker and friend. I also have a co-worker and friend who taught Emily's daughter and another co-worker and friend who went to junior high and high school with them both.”
"It's Life Only After All," Press Clip
Atlanta Film and TV: What were your favorite moments about the documentary, and can you share any memories that it may have brought for you?
“The Atlanta acoustic music scene was hot in the late '80s and '90s. Watching the videos, especially the ones that Amy recorded, brought joyful memories of all the concerts, benefits, and events I attended with friends as a young adult.”
- Kim Gordon
Atlanta Film and TV: The Indigo Girls have made their marks as musicians, songwriters, and dedicated activists. How have they impacted your life?
Kim Gordon: “My husband introduced me to their music early in our relationship in the late 80’s. Their music became part of us and who we were as a couple.”
Atlanta Film and TV: What was the most memorable part of the documentary?
Kim Gordon: “Seeing their lives now with their partners and children.”
"For those of us who grew up with them, the film felt like a warm hug. Many of us longtime fans fell in love to the Indigo Girls, and say it’s the soundtrack of our lives. I was 14 the first time I heard them play at Agnes Scott in 1988 and wrote a review of the show for my high school newspaper. I also loved the film’s focus on social justice and activism. That’s what many fans say drew them in beyond the music. It was a hometown crowd and they both gave a special shout out to teachers. During the Q and A, someone asked who we should be looking at in politics. I can’t remember if it was Amy or Emily who said to really get local with races, even down to local school boards. They’re so amazing and many of us long time fans had been eagerly awaiting this documentary. We weren’t disappointed!"
- Laura Price Pitts
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It’s Life Only After All debuted at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival both on April 23rd at the Carter Presidential Center, and on Sunday, April 30th at the Plaza Theater.