Hulu has snagged rights to an upcoming doc about one of the world’s most famous sex therapists. The streamer will air “Ask Dr. Ruth” following its premiere at Sundance 2019, Deadline confirms. Magnolia is on board to distribute the feature and will offer it the widest theatrical release yet for a Hulu doc.
The author of dozens of books about sex and sexuality, media personality and sex therapist Ruth Westheimer is a German-born Jewish immigrant who survived the Holocaust.
“I’ve never really stopped to examine my life, so when I first saw ‘Ask Dr. Ruth’ even I was amazed by what had transpired during my 90 years,” said Dr. Ruth “I am delighted that audiences will be able to share that experience both on Hulu and in movie theaters around the U.S.”
Craig Erwich, Hulu’s SVP of Originals, added, “The remarkable journey that led Dr. Ruth Westheimer to become the cultural icon she is today is a story that demands to be told. ‘Ask Dr. Ruth’ tells the untold story of strength, perseverance, and the constant quest for knowledge against all odds, and we can’t wait to share this incredible film with audiences.”
“I did not have problems being a woman speaking about sex,” Dr. Ruth has said of her time hosting “Sexually Speaking” on the radio. “I used to say, ‘Whoever doesn’t like it should just switch the station.’ I never said that you had to listen to me.”
Directed by Ryan White, “Ask Dr. Ruth” will screen as part of the Documentary Premieres program at Sundance, set to take place January 24-February 3 in Park City, Utah. Women represent 42 percent of the competition directors this year.
