Michelle and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground Productions has unveiled its initial batch of projects for streaming service, Netflix.
According to CNN, they include a drama set in post-WWII New York City, a scripted anthology, a children’s series, and a number of non-fiction projects.
“We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited about these projects,” President Obama said in a release. “Touching on issues of race and class, democracy and civil rights, and much more, we believe each of these productions won’t just entertain but will educate, connect, and inspire us all.”
Here’s a breakdown:
“American Factory”: A documentary set in Ohio about the culture clash that occurs after a Chinese billionaire opens up a new factory where a General Motors plant once stood. The film is directed by Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winners Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert (“The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant”).
“Bloom”: A drama “set in the world of fashion in post-WWII New York City that depicts barriers faced by women and by people of colour in an era marked by hurdles but also tremendous progress,” according to a release. It is written and executive produced by Academy Award-winner Callie Khouri (“Nashville,” “Thelma and Louise”).
Untitled feature film: An adaptation of David W. Blight’s “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.”
“Overlooked”: An anthology scripted series based on the ongoing New York Times obituary column of the same name about remarkable people whose deaths were not reported by the newspaper.
“Listen to Your Vegetables and Eat Your Parents”: A half-hour family show that will take viewers “around the globe on an adventure that tells us the story of our food.”
“Fifth Risk”: A non-fiction series based on the Michael Lewis book that will highlight “the importance of unheralded work done by everyday heroes guiding our government and safeguarding our nation,” according to a release.
“Crip Camp”: A documentary project about a summer camp for disabled teenagers that in the early ’70s transformed lives and set in motion the disability rights movement.
Mr. Obama and the former first lady who released her best selling memoir ‘Becoming’ in November 2018, signed a deal with the streaming service last year.
Nicole Vassell, entertainment and features editor at Pride, told BBC, “The Obamas have always used their public platforms for education and improvement.
“As the first black president and first lady of the United States, their legacy is undoubtedly something they’ve put a lot of thought into, and this looks like a great next step in keeping their messages alive.”
Release dates for the titles have not yet been confirmed.
