Media legend Oprah Winfrey is officially getting her own documentary that will be released on Apple TV+ reports the Associated Press.
What We Know:
- On Thursday, the streaming service announced that they would be releasing a two-part biographical documentary on Winfrey’s life. The film will follow the mogul’s life story, portraying 25 years of American history from Winfrey’s point of view.
- Winfrey, “who rose from humble roots to become a billionaire, philanthropist, actress, media executive, and agent of social change,” will be portrayed in a film directed by Oscar-winner Kevin MacDonald and Emmy-nominated producer Lisa Erspamer, who is known for her work on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Whitney.
- Apple TV+ and Winfrey have been working together since 2018, when they reached a multi-year deal to create original programs. Some of the shows released on the streaming platform include The Oprah Conversation, Oprah Talks COVID-19, and Oprah’s Book Club.
- Just last Friday, Winfrey announced that she was cutting ties with another Apple Tv+ documentary project about the sexual misconduct allegations against musician Russell Simmons. The untitled film is scheduled to have its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival later this month. In a statement, Winfrey said she “unequivocally believes and supports the women,” adding that their stories “deserve to be told and heard.”
- After Winfrey departed from the project, Apple TV+ also pulled away since they agreed to make the documentary available on its streaming platform as part of Winfrey’s overall deal with the company.
- According to Winfrey, her decision stemmed from creative differences with the filmmakers. “In my opinion, there is more work to be done on the film to illuminate the full scope of what the victims endured,” she said, “and it has become clear that the filmmakers and I are not aligned in that creative vision.”
Winfrey has always been known to create projects and make decisions based on her personal values that stem from the difficult experiences she’s faced growing up. Now, she is allowing viewers to witness her history and perhaps bring a new perspective to how people view her success story.
