‘Rare and up-close’ Michelle Obama documentary set for release
A new documentary about Michelle Obama is set to be released next week.
The Netflixshow will provide a “rare and up-close look” at the former first lady during the time she embarked on a tour to promote her memoir, Becoming.
Ms Obamalaunched the autobiography in November 2018, and the documentary of the same name follows her on the 34-city tour she took on to promote it across the US.
I’m excited to share that on May 6, @Netflix will release BECOMING, a documentary directed by Nadia Hallgren that shares the stories of the amazing people I met after the release of my memoir. During this difficult time, I hope you’ll find some inspiration and joy in this film. pic.twitter.com/fqsIbhXYeL
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 27, 2020
Directed by Nadia Hallgren, the film will take viewers behind the scenes, Netflix says, highlighting “the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories”.
Mrs Obama said the film shares the stories of the “amazing” people she met during her tour.
In a statement, she said that while it is “hard these days to feel grounded or hopeful”, she hopes “like me, you’ll find joy and a bit of respite in what Nadia has made”.
She also addressed the coronaviruspandemic and lockdown, saying: “Even as we can no longer safely gather or feed off the energy of groups, even as many of us are living with grief, loneliness and fear, we need to stay open and able to put ourselves in other people’s shoes.
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“Empathy is our lifeline here. It’s what will get us to the other side.
“Let’s use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most, reconsider our priorities, and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes.”
The Obamas signed a production deal with Netflix in 2018, and Becoming comes from their Higher Ground Productions company.
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Netflix also shared a trailer for the documentary, showing Mrs Obama, whose husband Barack was president from 2009 to 2017, at a community event in Philadelphia.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Viola Davis will play Mrs Obama in an upcoming drama about America’s first ladies.
A Showtime production, the drama’s first season will tell the story of three presidential wives, Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Mrs Obama.
Watch Becoming on Netflix from 6 May
