The film, produced by Confluential Films and Rada Studio, and directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize in the U. . Documentary Competition. It has also been selected as an official entry in the Spotlight section of the 61st New York Film Festival. The film will be released in theaters this fall and will debut on HBO and Max in 2024.
GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT explores the enduring influence of Nikki Giovanni, a renowned artist and social commentator. The film combines intimate vérité footage, archival material, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of Giovanni’s poetry to delve into her reflections on time and American history.
The directors, Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, expressed their excitement and gratitude for HBO Documentary Films recognizing the significance of their work. They believe that the collaboration with HBO will provide a platform for GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT to reach a global audience.
Tommy Oliver, the producer, also expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with HBO once again to bring this remarkable portrait of Nikki Giovanni to the world.
The film is written and directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, with the voice of Taraji P. Henson. The producers are Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, and Tommy Oliver. Codie Elaine Oliver and Taraji P. Henson serve as executive producers, and the editing is done by Terra Long, Lawrence Jackman, and Regi Allen.
Rada Studio, co-founded by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, aims to push the boundaries of storytelling by drawing from the Black radical tradition and the pillars of Black Atlantic expression. Their previous works include award-winning films such as “American Promise” and “Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project.
Confluential Films, founded by Tommy Oliver, is a Black-owned production company dedicated to telling culturally specific stories that blend art and entertainment. Their projects include critically acclaimed films like “Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss” and the HBO documentary “40 Years A Prisoner.
Overall, this collaboration between HBO Documentary Films, Confluential Films, and Rada Studio showcases the commitment to innovative storytelling and amplifying diverse voices.
