Samuel W Connelly (SamTheWriter)
'Her Aim is True' is an artistically crafted voyage into Rock-n-Roll's past. It's a tantalizing taste of an all-but-forgotten time in America's history, told through the life of a real legend and pioneer. Jini Dellaccio was a woman years before her time, her story, 'Her Aim Is True', directed by Karen Whitehead, brings that incredible story to the screen in a truly satisfying fashion. To be honest, I was surprised at how quickly I was drawn into this film. I found myself captured within the first five minutes, and it only got better from there. With the sounds of so many iconic bands like; Neil Young, Ian Whitcomb, Mitch Ryder, The Who, The Wailers, The Sonics, Merrilee Rush & The Turnabouts, The Daily Flash, The Bard's, The Bootmen, and Paul Revere & The Raiders; and the setting, being, the magical and beautiful Pacific Northwest, 'Her Aim Is True' in perfumed with nostalgia. This is a story about American culture. It's a story about an important time in Rock-n-roll history. It's a story about an incredible woman- a stubbornly independent woman. It's a love story. It's a story about a revolutionary, an artist, an activist, and about a true dreamer. 'Her Aim Is True', is a film that is not just about Jini Dellaccio, but it's about all of us. Filled with rich tastes of a very potent time in America's history, director Karen Whitehead captures and serves up so many beautiful moments and landmark times of change in our culture. Rock-n-roll is an essential element in the evolutionary process of American history and the history of the world. To forget those who helped mold and shape the foundations of our artistic and musical history would be a true tragedy. It's a beautiful and necessary legacy Karen Whitehead has reminded us of through the story of a true American queen, rock-n-roll photography pioneer, and independent soul. Karen, the incredibly creative and talented director took this already amazing story and laid it all out in 90 minutes in such way that gives Dellaccio's story true justice. I'm just as impressed with Karen Whitehead's artistic structure of 'Her Aim Is True,' as I am with the story itself. Whitehead, an independent spirit herself isn't new to filmmaking, and her work shines through in 'Her Aim Is True'. Karen, a filmmaker from London, UK., is also a journalist. She's a former director/producer at the BBC and also did the current affairs output for the Independent Television network in the UK. In the US, Karen has made several documentary-style videos for non-profit organizations and advocacy filming for Autism. She also produced a film on the history of the Berlin Wall for the Newseum, which is currently on exhibit in Washington DC. She's a recipient of a CINE Golden Eagle Award for the short film, Woodlawn Redux she directed in 2008.In a time that we are seeing an awakening of independent documentaries, special issues films, and biopics, 'Her Aim Is True', is exactly what the independent spirit's about. This film has a largely universal appeal. I think that everyone should see it. Through the eyes and words of the 93 year old artist, yesterday's rock is experienced with new life and freshness. Adding the impeccable storytelling skills of Karen Whitehead, 'Her Aim is True', has easily landed in my top 10 independent documentary films of all time.
lzedjones
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.
Jon DeMaio
Great documentary! "Her Aim is True" is a compelling look at the life and career of Jini Dellaccio, a true pioneer of rock photography. This film is great for fans of photography, rock and roll music, and the rock scene of the Pacific Northwest. I found that Jini's story has been a reminder that photographic art engages us with history, and is therefore indispensable. As an aspiring artist, seeing "Her Aim as True" has made me confident that doing what I love is meaningful. The documentary shows that Jini Dellaccio tapped into the youth and exuberance of the musicians around her, and, without exploiting them, she immortalized them. Filmmaker Karen Whitehead's documentary is a refreshing illustration of artists treating subjects with dignity, of filmmakers and photographers using their craft to foreground the talent of another artist. It's absolutely worth your while!
Angry Filmmaker
I had the opportunity to see Her Aim Is True at the Tallgrass Film Festival and I loved it! Like most people I had never heard of Jini Dellaccio, which is horrible because I'm from the Pacific Northwest and I was familiar with most of the bands that she photographed. I've seen so many of those photographs and never realized that the same person took them. Jini's style is so unique, her work should be studied by every aspiring photographer. Jini's is an incredible story of an unknown artist who should be known! I'm glad that Karen Whitehead has brought her story to the screen. When you see some of her photos you will be amazed (especially her shot of an very young Neil Young). If you have a chance check this film out. You won't be disappointed.
