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An Elegant Evening Celebrates the Debut of a Riveting Documentary on Marilyn Minter

PRETTY DIRTY: The Life and Times of Marilyn Minter premiered at DOC NYC Festival on November 20

By Alexandria Sillo
Group of people enjoying an indoor gathering with decorative elements in the background
Ashley McDermott, Amanda Benchley, Jennifer Ash Rudick, Marilyn Minter, Naomi Fry. Photo: Jane Mok

Friends, collaborators, and cast members recently gathered at the Park Avenue home of Ashley and Jeff McDermott to celebrate the November 20 premiere of PRETTY DIRTY: The Life and Times of Marilyn Minter, which debuted at DOC NYC Festival to three sold-out screenings. Guests, including Laurie Simmons, Jennifer Ash Rudick, Sur Rodney, Ben Davis, Colleen Allen, Samuel Hine, Meredith Melling, Patty Findlay, and others, mingled with each other and the guest of honor, Marilyn Minter, in the apartment’s salons and dining rooms while catching up over cocktails.

The lively evening was a festive kickoff to Minter’s moment, and was also reflective of the film’s spirit. Directed by Jennifer Ash Rudick and Amanda Benchley, and produced by Debi Wisch, PRETTY DIRTY: The Life and Times of Marilyn Minter is a star-studded, 79-minute film that offers an intimate portrait of Minter as she approaches 80, and reintroduces the iconic artist to a new generation while exploring why the art establishment has hesitated to fully embrace her significance.

Group of people socializing in a cozy, brightly lit living room setting with colorful artwork on the walls.
Guests including Stefano Tonchi, Ben Davis, and Laurie Simmons mingle at the party. Photo: Jane Mok
Man sitting on a couch holding a bowl at a social gathering with people and decorations in the background.
Sur Rodney. Photo: Jane Mok

With Jane Fonda, Monica Lewinsky, Mickalene Thomas, Jeff Koons, Lizzo, and others gracing the screen, the film uses archival footage to document how Minter transforms subjects like sex, shame, and aging into hypnotic masterpieces that have gone on to influence film and fashion, while also diving deep into what makes her controversial yet unapologetically authentic.

See more highlights from the evening below:

Group of four people smiling and posing together in front of a colorful abstract painting.
Katie Ridder, Peter Pennoyer Rachel Hovnanian, Ashley McDermott. Photo: Jane Mok
Group of people engaged in conversation at an indoor social event near a window with curtains.
Samuel Hine and Clarke Rudick. Photo: Jane Mok
People socializing at an indoor event, holding drinks and engaging in conversation, with decorative wall art in the background.
Amelia Rudick, William Richmond-Watson, Arden Stephens. Photo: Jane Mok
Two women sitting on a couch, smiling and pointing at each other, with a vibrant abstract painting in the background.
Marilyn Minter and Ashley McDermott. Photo: Jane Mok
Three people engaged in conversation in a warmly lit room with elegant decor and a wooden cabinet in the background.
Jonathan Soros, Patty Findlay, Jennifer Ash Rudick. Photo: Jane Mok
People socializing at a stylish indoor gathering with art on the walls and elegant furnishings.
Guests mingle. Photo: Jane Mok.
A group of five people sitting on a couch in a colorful, art-filled room with vibrant orange flowers in the foreground.
Sandy Tait, Marilyn Minter, Laurie Simmons, Lynne Tillman. Photo: Jane Mok