Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down is a compelling and truly inspiring documentary film directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West (RBG, My Name is Pauli Murray) that follows a former politician who survived a heinous act of violence. The film tells the extraordinary story of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her relentless fight to recover following an assassination attempt and mass shooting in 2011 that left her partially paralyzed and with a language impairment. In her new life, she is one of the most effective activists in the battle against gun violence. The film features extensive vérité filming of Gabby and her husband, astronaut-turned-Senator Mark Kelly. Other featured interviews includes former President Barack Obama, friends, and colleagues as they look back at Gabby’s near impossible return. The documentary provides exclusive access to stunning videos taken in the weeks following her near-death experience. Witness the story of a rising star transformed by gun violence, who rises like a phoenix in this close-up portrait of Gabby and the marriage that sustains her.[2021, US, 95 min, Rated: Not Rated] “Harrowing, sad and inspiring in equal measures, the documentary Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down represents another solid piece of progressive [Jewish] feminist hagiography from directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West, the duo behind RBG,” writes Daniel Fienerg of The Hollywood Reporter. Jan Klingelhofer of Pacific Film Resources writes, “I was absolutely humbled by Gabby Giffords’ strength and determination. She is a remarkable woman.” Venue: Cinema Art Theater. Presenter: Rehoboth Beach Film Society.