In the 1970s, the American Civil Liberties Union wasn’t exactly the household name it is today. In fact, it was on the verge of bankruptcy. But when Ira Glasser became executive director in 1978, he ended up shaping the organization into a civil liberties juggernaut with offices in every state and a $30 million endowment.
The new documentary, Mighty Ira, examines the life of this singular leader, from his upbringing in Brooklyn to fighting for the rights of all Americans, from civil rights leaders to neo-Nazis. The filmmakers pick his brain on his life, career and current events.
In addition to Glasser, the documentary features Ben Stern, Bryan Stevenson, David Goldberger, Philippa Strum and many more. It is directed and produced by Nico Perrino, Aaron Reese and Chris Maltby. See the trailer below and catch Mighty Ira on October 9 at the Angelika Film Center’s Virtual Cinema.
