Render: Spanning Time with Ani DiFranco

Ani DiFranco's music blends the intimacy and personal expression of folk music with the passion and energy of punk rock, and her songs (which often embrace political themes when not exploring personal issues) have won her a devoted following who've made her one of the most successful independent artists of recent memory. Render: Spanning Time With Ani DiFranco is a documentary which follows DiFranco on the road during her world tours of 2000 and 2001 (while also incorporating performance footage dating back as far as 1997). Observing both her performances on-stage as well as her interactions with friends, associates, and fellow musicians off-stage, the film offers an insight into how DiFranco's songs take shape in performance, as well as documenting her gifts as a singer and guitarist.

Directed by Ani DiFranco, Clement Goldberg, Render: Spanning Time with Ani DiFranco leans on a strong ensemble — Ani DiFranco — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2002.