Rory Kennedy Talks ETHEL on Tom Needham's SOUNDS

SOUNDS with Tom Needham

Rory Kennedy is an accomplished American documentary filmmaker, known for her thought-provoking films that often explore social justice, history, and political issues. She is the youngest child of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. Despite her father's assassination before her birth, Rory grew up deeply embedded in the legacy of her prominent family. Her documentaries reflect a commitment to activism and highlight the complex issues of power, injustice, and human rights.

One of her notable works is the 2012 documentary “Ethel,” which she directed for HBO. The film focuses on the life of her mother, Ethel Kennedy, offering a deeply personal and intimate portrayal of the matriarch of the Kennedy family. Through interviews with Ethel and other family members, the documentary sheds light on her experiences raising eleven children, her enduring resilience after the assassination of her husband, and her dedication to political and social causes. Rory, as the director, captures her mother’s vibrant personality while exploring her vital role in one of America's most well-known families.

“Ethel” is notable for its candid look at a figure who had largely remained out of the spotlight despite her prominent position in American history. The film delves into Ethel's life, not just as a political wife, but as a strong, independent woman who continued to champion the causes she and her husband believed in.

Rory’s choice to focus on her mother as both a personal and historical subject brings a unique perspective to the film, creating an intimate portrait that connects personal legacy with national history.