The United States vs. Billie Holiday


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NEXT SHOWING:

None scheduled.

SYNOPSIS

The United States vs Billie Holiday with a live introduction by Johann Hari interviewed by Jenny Valentish. Join Johann Hari and Jenny Valentish for an exclusive movie screening of The United States vs. Billie Holiday at The Astor Theatre in St. Kilda on Support Don’t Punish Day, Saturday 26 June, starting from 7:00 pm. This amazing biography delves into the beginning of the criminalisation of people who use drugs in America based on the New York Times Best Selling book, Chasing the Scream by internationally acclaimed writer Johann Hari. Johann will appear live from London via video link to introduce the movie and talk about the amazing back story of Billie Holiday and her battle with Harry Aslinger, the newly appointed head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He will be talking live on screen with Jenny Valentish, a journalist and author of ‘Woman of Substances: A Journey into Addiction and Treatment’, where she explores the unique experiences of women with alcohol and drugs. Then after a short intermission, the movie will start at 8:00 o'clock, which provides a fascinating look at Billie Holiday’s illustrious career as a legendary jazz singer as she battled addiction, racism and was targeted by the FBI through an undercover sting operation in an effort to silence her.