Luther Vandross Documentary, ‘Luther: Never Too Much,’ To Debut On CNN New Year’s Day
Mark your calendars! CNN is set to debut Luther: Never Too Much, a powerful documentary about the legendary Luther Vandross, on January 1 at 8 p.m. ET. Directed by Dawn Porter, the film explores Vandross' journey from his early days in Harlem and performances at the Apollo Theater to his rise as a master of love ballads.
Kanye West Doc ’In Whose Name?’ To Be Unveiled At AFM
The newly much-anticipated bio-doc In Whose Name?, offering an in-depth look at Kanye West’s transformation, is set to reveal its first footage at the American Film Market (AFM). The documentary, backed by Goodfellas and Utopia, explores West’s journey, including his decision to officially change his name to Ye in 2021. A first-look image has been shared, stirring interest before the upcoming promo screening for potential buyers in Las Vegas.
‘The Honorable Shyne’ Documentary Coming To Hulu November 18
The sun don’t shine forever, but as long as Moses is here, he’ll be “Shyne” forever. These words resonate in the new documentary, ‘The Honorable Shyne’ based on the story of the Grammy Award-winning former rap star and current politician, Moses “Shyne” Barrow. This fall, Hulu presents a documentary about one of the most intriguing figures in both Hip Hop and politics. ‘The Honorable Shyne’ is co-executive produced by David Dennis, Jr. and Justin Tinsley, and directed by Marcus A. Clarke. The film details Shyne’s buzzing music career in the late 1990s, his incarceration following charges for a high-profile nightclub shooting in New York City, and his redemptive return home to his native country, Belize, where he pursued a successful career in politics.
Kevin Hart And Robin Roberts Join Forces For New Orleans Documentary ‘A King Like Me’
Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Robin Roberts’ Rock’n Robin Productions have partnered to executive produce A King Like Me, a documentary that shines a light on the Zulu Krewe, a historic Black cultural organization in New Orleans. This collaboration was announced by Highly Flammable Productions following the film’s premiere at the 35th Annual New Orleans Film Festival, where it served as the opening night feature.
Chief Keef Documentary Set; Lyrical Lemonade And Khalabo Ink Society Partner As Producers
Chief Keef, one of the founding figures in drill music, is getting a documentary that will chronicle his rise and influence on the Chicago music scene. Directed by Cole Bennett, the film will delve into Keef’s career, including his early success, hiatus, and recent return to his hometown. Kenya Barris' Khalabo Ink Society is producing the project, in partnership with Bennett's Lyrical Lemonade.
‘Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words’ Documentary Coming to Amazon Prime Video October 31
The superstar Houston native, Megan Thee Stallion, gets candid in her new documentary, ‘Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words’ coming to Amazon Prime Video October 31st. The documentary is directed by Emmy Award-winning Nneka Onuorah. In this film, Grammy Award-winning Megan Thee Stallion shares her remarkable journey from her explosive debut on the rap scene to her current global success. Fans can look forward to an intimate glimpse into the life and stardom of Megan, and her tumultuous experience with fame, grief, and the pressures of the music industry.
‘Luther: Never Too Much’ Documentary Coming To Theaters November 1
The ethereal Soul and R&B music of Luther Vandross has serenaded fans for decades. His velvety smooth voice carried sweet melodies that caressed the ears and tender hearts of listeners, serving as a universal soundtrack for lovers all over the world. From singing background vocals in the 1970s for some of the world’s biggest artists, to his breakout solo career in 1981 and beyond, Vandross’ legacy has been etched in our hearts and within the realm of transcendent musical soundscapes. The new documentary, ‘Luther: Never Too Much,’ directed by critically acclaimed and award-winning Dawn Porter, continues this legacy with a celebration of the once-in-a-lifetime artist and proves that we can never get too much of Luther Vandross’ discography.
New Docuseries On The Rise And Fall Of Sean "Diddy" Combs Underway At ID Amid Legal Battles
Investigation Discovery has teamed up with Maxine Productions, known for "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," to produce a new docuseries chronicling the turbulent rise and fall of music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.
‘Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale Of Two Dirtys’ Documentary Coming This Summer On A&E
The heart of the Wu-Tang Clan lives on forever! This summer, A&E will release a documentary about the life of the late, culture-defining and genre-pushing rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard (also known as ODB and Dirt McGirt). The official trailer provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the electrifying, larger-than-life persona of one of Hip-Hop’s most treasured talents. Russell Tyrone Jones, the real name of the late rapper, opens the trailer differentiating his performative persona from his true self, and sets the stage for the “two Dirtys” that are portrayed in the documentary.
Simone Biles Writes Her Own History In Netflix Docuseries Simone Biles Rising
The first two episodes of Simone Biles Rising offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the resilience of the beloved 37 Olympic and World Championship medal-winning gymnast, Simone Biles. The Netflix docuseries catapults the viewer into the whirlwind of fame, pressure, and challenges that engulfed the superstar athlete on her journey from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics through her successful 2024 U.S. Classic competition. Biles invites the viewer into a closer look at her life beyond the spotlight via interviews where she discusses her feelings behind some of her historic events. In this docuseries, she also pays homage to her loving family and community who she honors as the nourishment for her comeback and career.
‘Simone Biles Rising’ Coming to Netflix July 17
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, makes her Netflix debut on July 17th. In a two-part sports series, fans get a behind-the-scenes look at her competitive Olympic comeback journey since withdrawing from the gymnastics team final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. ‘Simone Biles Rising’ trailer offers an intimate glimpse of Biles’ teary-eyed struggle with her mental health, the criticism she faced, her loving family who uplifted her, and Biles’ perseverance through it all. The series shows a vulnerable side to the competitive athlete superstar as she takes her power back from the stressors of gymnastics.
Viewing Black Barbie: A Documentary This Fourth of July Holiday
Lagueria Davis’ Black Barbie: A Documentary is an informative, archival project that highlights the important history and genealogy of Mattel’s first Black Barbie. This film celebrates the beauty, diversity, and power of Black womanhood responsible for the boundary-pushing representation in the toy industry. Black Barbie, produced by Shondaland, champions Black women’s storytelling via intimate conversations featuring Mattel’s game-changers: Davis’ own aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride-Irby.
Netflix And Shondaland Partner For Exclusive Release Of ‘Black Barbie: A Documentary’ Directed By Lagueria Davis
Netflix and Shondaland have secured the worldwide rights to "Black Barbie: A Documentary," an acclaimed film directed by Lagueria Davis. The documentary, which garnered critical acclaim during its work-in-progress screening at this year's SXSW Film Festival, is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their ongoing collaboration with Netflix. This partnership, initiated in 2017 with the signing of the Bridgerton duo, was extended in 2021.
Tyler Perry Documentary ‘Maxine’s Baby’ Headed To Prime, Gelila Bekele And Armani Ortiz To Direct
Amazon Studios is set to release a captivating documentary that delves into the life and accomplishments of Tyler Perry, the renowned billionaire writer, actor, filmmaker, and media mogul. Titled "Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story," the film offers an intimate look at Perry's remarkable trajectory, showcasing his transformation from childhood adversity to becoming an influential force in the entertainment industry.
Tommy Hearns Documentary ‘The Hitman’ In The Works From Winter State Entertainment
After announcing new docs on NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount and MLB icon Tommy John in Whatever It Takes and The Bionic Man, respectively, Winter State Entertainment has unveiled The Hitman: A Tommy Hearns Story as its latest sports documentary.
Brooklyn Double Dutch Documentary ‘Jazzy Jumpers’ By Haley Elizabeth Anderson; Storm Reid On Board As EP
Haley Elizabeth Anderson has recently wrapped up the production of her compelling documentary, "Jazzy Jumpers." This vibrant project, directed by Anderson and backed by Indigenous Media, P&G Studios, and A Seed & Wings Productions, sheds light on the awe-inspiring narrative of the Brownsville-based Double Dutch Team, Jazzy Jumpers.
‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Instructor Remi Adeleke Teams Up With Emmy-Winner Nick Nanton For Inspiring Doc Feature ‘Hero’
Remi Adeleke, renowned SAS: Who Dares Wins instructor and writer, has joined forces with Emmy-winner Nick Nanton for a captivating documentary feature titled "Hero."
Ice Cube And Jesse Collins Entertainment Partner For Big3 Docuseries
Ice Cube is teaming up with Jesse Collins Entertainment to create a brand new sports docuseries that will follow the development of the Big3 sports league.
MGM+ Orders ‘Hollywood Black’ From Justin Simien, Forest Whitaker — Docuseries Exploring The Black Experience In Cinema History
MGM+ has given the green light to ‘Hollywood Black,’ a new documentary series helmed by Justin Simien that promises to be "a definitive chronicle of a century of the Black experience in Hollywood." The four-part series will be produced by Simien’s Culture Machine, Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions, and the Academy Award-winning RadicalMedia.
Open Call: NBCU’s Original Voices Fellowship Documentary Shorts Pitches - Here’s Your Chance!
Documentary filmmakers, here’s your chance! The NBCU Academy and NBC News Studios will have an open call for documentary shorts pitches on projects that highlight underrepresented communities.