Oscar-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth is directing a documentary about the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. The untitled Amazon Studios project is currently in development, a press release announced. Blige is among its exec producers.
Described as a “personal and never before seen look into the emotional journey of Mary J. Blige’s past struggles with poverty, abuse, addiction, and heartbreak,” the film follows the superstar as she “heads out on a special concert tour to perform her sophomore album, ‘My Life,’ for the first time ever as it approaches its 25-year anniversary.”
“We all know Mary J. Blige as the two-time Oscar nominee, Grammy Award winning, multi-hyphenate who has sold over 80 million records. But through this documentary, audiences will see a raw and honest side of Mary J. Blige opening up about her personal journey of redemption and healing,” said Matt Newman, Co-Head of Movies at Amazon Studios. “We are thrilled to share with our worldwide Prime Video customers this exclusive, never-before-seen, inside look into the global legend, Mary J. Blige.”
Blige made history as the first person ever nominated for acting and songwriting Oscars in the same year — she was recognized for her supporting role and original song in Dee Rees’ “Mudbound” at the 2018 ceremony.
“The Umbrella Academy” and “Scream: The TV Series” are among Blige’s other acting credits. Her upcoming slate includes supporting roles in “Respect,” Liesl Tommy’s Aretha Franklin biopic, and Kelly Oxford’s feature directorial debut, “Pink Skies Ahead,” a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age pic about a young woman struggling with anxiety disorder.
“Be Without You,” “Real Love,” and “Family Affair” are among Blige’s best known songs.
Roth won an Oscar for producing “Freeheld,” a doc short that later served as inspiration for a feature starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page. Her directing credits include docs “The Texas Promise” and “American Teacher.”