Her Aim Is True (2013)

I love this movie so much

Excellent but underrated film

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

The acting in this movie is really good.

This isn't just another story of a woman excelling in a male dominated field. This is the story of a woman who just did what she wanted to do and did it her way. It is the story of a life well lived. Whitehead does an excellent job of introducing us to the woman but an even better job of making us fall in love with her. Needless to say in any good doc you learn a few things along the way. but unlike many docs, you want to share this experience with all your friends. After seeing this film you'll not only have profound admiration for this barrier busting woman but will have developed a love for the imagery of the period. I just wanted to see more and more.

Two years ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Jini Dellaccio for a magazine article I was writing. To meet Jini is to be swept up in the "Jini magic"--for to meet her is to be inspired by her. I am roughly the same age (that would be solidly middle-aged) as Jini was when she began photographing the garage rock bands of the Pacific Northwest, but this was just one remarkable stop on a career she made up as she went along. Jini never met a challenge she couldn't tackle--if she didn't know how to do something, she told people she did and then figured out how to do it. This is why I try to channel Jini now when I find myself thinking I'm too old to try something new. Director Karen Whitehead has perfectly captured the pioneering spirit of this remarkable woman in her film "Her Aim Is True." I've seen it three times, and I still choke up in the same spots. Jini was a woman ahead of her time, but she accomplished what she did without any of the modern-day self-promotion we are so used to; she let the work speak for itself, and it is breathtaking work, make no doubt about it. See the movie if you are a rock history buff (the archival footage is fascinating), but be prepared to come away inspired by the woman who made so many of those bands come alive, all while remaining true to her own vision. Jini is a true original, and we are fortunate indeed to have this film tribute to her life and work.

I didn't know anything about Jini before watching this doc, but by the time I got to the end, I was completely taken in by her joy and love for photography and music. I loved seeing Jini rediscover her old stomping grounds and especially her darkroom. It is great to see that, even in her 90s, Jini still has passion for rock music and bands. I didn't just enjoy the incredible story, music, and photos in this film, but it also made me think about how many women trailblazers we have never heard of that never got their due in so many fields. I'm so glad that Karen Whitehead found and told Jini's story—it is not one that I will soon forget.

I am passionate about 'Herstory,' the perspective of history that holds up the accomplishments of women who were risk-takers, ahead of their time, and willing to forge the way for those who come after. I think there are too many stories that have been lost and am excited to see Karen Whitehead pick up the baton and champion one such lost hero. Karen's love for Jini, for her humility and grace shine through. Kudo's to Karen for taking to risk to tell this story about an unlikely hero that should inspire us all!Hat's off to Jini, for following her heart and recognizing the promise of youth. And regards, to her husband, who supported her efforts wholeheartedly.