Lizzie Borden on Why Revolutionary Message of 'Born in Flames' Is Newly Relevant, That Controversial Viral Clip and Surviving Harvey Weinstein's Hollywood
In the late 1970s, New York was a mess. Garbage was piling up, rats were everywhere - it was the perfect time to make art in cheap lofts and create disruptive social movements like no-wave cinema and punk rock. This was the backdrop against which Lizzie Borden set her micro-budget dystopian feminist movie Born in Flames, which was released in 1983 after five years of scrappy guerrilla production on the streets of Manhattan.
Born in Flames tells the story of a near-future America where a group of women and minorities rise up to overthrow a corrupt government. The film's revolutionary message was ahead of its time, but it has never been more relevant than now. Borden's movie is being hailed as a precursor to the MeToo movement and a commentary on the current state of social justice.
The film's impact can be seen in the recent viral clip that sparked controversy when it was shared online. The clip shows a group of women discussing their experiences with harassment and assault, and it has been viewed millions of times. Borden said, "I'm thrilled that people are finally paying attention to the issues we were trying to address 40 years ago."
Borden's own experience in Hollywood has also been marked by controversy. She was one of the many women who accused Harvey Weinstein of harassment and assault, and she has spoken out about the industry's systemic problems.
The film's release in 1983 was a major event in the art world, but it was not without its challenges. Borden said, "We were making this movie on a shoestring budget, and we had to fight for every frame of footage." Despite these challenges, Born in Flames has become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the most influential films of all time.
Today, Born in Flames is being re-released in theaters across the country, and it's clear that its message is more relevant than ever. Borden said, "I'm so proud of what we accomplished with this film, and I'm thrilled that people are finally paying attention to the issues we were trying to address 40 years ago."
The re-release of Born in Flames comes at a time when social justice movements are gaining momentum around the world. The MeToo movement has sparked a global conversation about harassment and assault, and it's clear that Borden's film is a major part of this conversation.
Borden's own experience as a filmmaker has been marked by perseverance and determination. She said, "I've always believed in the power of art to change the world, and I'm so proud of what we accomplished with Born in Flames."
The re-release of Born in Flames is a testament to Borden's vision and dedication to her craft. As she said, "I'm thrilled that people are finally paying attention to the issues we were trying to address 40 years ago."
*Reporting by Variety.*