SYNOPSIS

With forty years of making music as the iconic folk-rock band Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have made their mark as musicians, songwriters, and dedicated activists. They have represented radical self-acceptance to many – leading now multiple generations of fans to say, “the Indigo Girls saved my life.” Still, Amy and Emily battled misogyny, homophobia, and a harsh cultural climate chastising them for not fitting into a female pop star mold. With joy, humor, and heart-warming moments, Sundance award-winning director Alexandria Bombach brings us into a contemporary conversation with Amy and Emily – alongside decades of the band's home movies
and intimate present-day verité.

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT

I was 12 years old the first time Indigo Girls' music saved my life. And if there is one thing I have found out through making this film, I am nowhere near alone in this sentiment. But how can music save a life? First off, not being alone in your struggles is crucial for us to come to the other side of the pain, and that idea is at the core of this film – the importance of connection and community.

The love that emanates from the Indigo Girls’ fan community is profound, to say the least. And unabashedly, I am right there with them. Seeing eyes light up at the mention of making this film was a thrill for me, and it was one of my treasured perks while tackling hundreds of hours of archive footage in the edit. Amy and Emily's music has been the soundtrack to so many lives; through generations and culture shifts. They're iconic in so many ways, including being beloved queer icons. And yet, they were surprised I wanted to make this film about them. I am continuously blown away by their humility about it all. Several times I heard Amy over the wireless mic tell people who saw our cameras filming them, "It's not just about us." And in many ways, she was right.

Over 40 years of touring and pouring heart and soul into dozens of hit albums is a massive measure of success for any musician. But Amy and Emily also redefined success and stayed true to themselves despite a steep uphill battle with the status quo. They dedicated themselves to understanding and supporting grassroots environmental and social justice activism. They didn't shy away from the tough issues. More than 30 years ago they partnered with Indigenous activist Winona Laduke and poured their efforts into founding the organization Honor the Earth. They have a lot to teach us about how to be activists, especially as white people. And yet, they'd be the first to step aside and let someone else take that mic.That 12-year-old me I mentioned earlier? She saw how Amy and Emily prioritized authenticity, community, and service. How they have also been out and proud as a band since the early ’90s. I needed to see that – we all did. Over 30 years later, making this film about two people who embrace an ever-evolving and expansive attitude to sexual and gender identity, while I struggled through an isolating pandemic, saved me once again.

And now, they're still writing songs and selling out shows — still activists, still staying true to themselves. In this film, Amy and Emily look back at the failings, lessons, hilarity, and pain that got them here. I know for many, it will be a gift to hear these stories – a gift to know we're not alone.