On the Record

About 'On the Record'

'On the Record' is a potent and thought-provoking documentary released in 2020. It delves into the accusations of sexual harassment and assault made against Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings. The movie offers a comprehensive examination of intersectionality and explores the ways in which race, class, and gender intersect with sexual misconduct. The film's narrative is centered around Drew Dixon, a former A&R executive at Def Jam, who builds up the courage to come forward with her allegations against the rap mogul.

Production

The film is produced by Oprah Winfrey, in association with Impact Partners and Perry Projects. It was co-directed by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, who previously worked together on 'The Invisible War' and 'The Hunting Ground', both of which examined the epidemic of sexual assault. In a poignant display of survival and courage, 'On the Record' is a deep-dive into the survivors’ unwavering quest for justice.

Actors and their Roles

• Drew Dixon - The primary voice and face of 'On the Record'. She recounts her experiences, detailing the incidents involving Russell Simmons with great strength and bravery.
• Jenny Lumet - A screenwriter who also steps up to share her encounters with Simmons. Lumet's narration, just like Dixon's, perfectly encapsulates their trauma and courage.
• Sil Lai Abrams - Writer and activist Abrams provides valuable insights into the culture of sexual assault and the struggle survivors face when trying to be heard.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film initially had Oprah Winfrey as an executive producer, but she stepped down just before its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
• 'On the Record' was the first #MeToo documentary focused specifically on allegations within the music industry.

Quotes from 'On the Record'

• "I didn't tell that many people about what happened. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed." - Drew Dixon
• "No one asks, 'What's the race of your rapist?' in a police report."- Sil Lai Abrams

Music / Soundtrack

• 'On the Record' doesn’t have a conventional film score, but uses popular music from the era to underline the narrative.