When it comes to the documentary world, it’s clear Netflix has been dominating the zeitgeist lately. The streaming giant doesn’t seem to be letting up as they will be debuting “Becoming” a documentary film following former First Lady, Michelle Obama, as she embarked on her nationwide memoir tour which encompassed 34 cities.
The film, directed by Nadia Hallgren, will hit the platform on May 6.
“Those months I spent traveling — meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe — drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can’t be messed with. In groups large and small, young and old, unique and united, we came together and shared stories, filling those spaces with our joys, worries, and dreams,” Mrs. Obama stated.
“We processed the past and imagined a better future. In talking about the idea of ‘becoming,’ many of us dared to say our hopes out loud. I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, tend to our communities, and try to keep up with work and school while coping with huge amounts of loss, confusion, and uncertainty.”
“Becoming” is the latest project from the Obamas’ landmark deal with Netflix. The pair, who run Higher Ground Productions, previously released “Crip Camp,” a Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht-directed film about a summer camp for teens with disabilities; as well as “American Factory,” a film that explored the journey of a Chinese company that took over a closed General Motors factory in Ohio and won the Best Documentary Feature award at this year’s Oscars.
Netflix recently dominated the news cycle when they debuted, “Tiger King,” a documentary series following the lives of eccentric big cat breeders. A Nielsen study exclusive to Variety, revealed that the docus-series garnered a U.S. TV audience of 34.3 million unique viewers within the first 10 days of its release (March 20-29), besting the season two premiere of “Stranger Things,” which garnered 31.2 million unique viewers in its first 10 days.