“Joan Baez: I Am a Noise” is a documentary that delves into the life and legacy of iconic folk singer, songwriter, and activist Joan Baez. The film follows Baez on her last tour in 2018-19 and explores her personal archive of home movies, artwork and diaries. In addition to highlighting Baez's commitment to social justice throughout her life, the film tackles issues of fame, identity, aging, and forgiveness, according to an article published by NBC News.

Joan Baez, born in the San Francisco Bay Area, had a childhood in which her Mexican-American heritage played a key role in her life. This heritage contributed to her insecurity, but it also made her a passionate advocate for the Mexican race. She grew up with a deep social conscience, nurtured by her parents who converted to Quakerism.

The film reveals Baez’s meteoric rise to fame, from singing barefoot in small cafes to being discovered at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959. She rose to prominence as one of the most influential voices of her generation and played a key role in revitalizing American folk music. Her participation in historic events, such as the 1963 March on Washington and the Woodstock Festival, solidified her status as a leading figure in the social and musical movements of the time. Baez was also a major influence on Bob Dylan’s career.

The film highlights some of Baez’s iconic songs, such as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “We Shall Overcome”, which reflected her commitment to social issues. In addition, it highlights the album in Spanish “Gracias a la Vida”, dedicated to the victims of the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile.

The documentary was filmed over several years and offers an intimate look at Baez's life during her “Fare Thee Well” tour. The filmmakers were given access to the singer's personal archives, revealing more personal aspects of her life and long-standing family struggles.

“Joan Baez: I Am a Noise” premiered at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival and received praise for revealing the depth of Joan Baez’s cultural influence. In addition to her music career, the documentary highlights the surprising ways in which Baez has remained relevant over the decades, including relationships with figures such as Steve Jobs and collaborations with contemporary artists.

Joan Baez’s life and career are celebrated in the film as a testament to how one can use one's artistic talent and social commitment to create a meaningful impact on the world. Baez received numerous awards and honors throughout her life, including the Grammy, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Kennedy Center Honor, demonstrating recognition of her contribution to music and social justice.