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‘Becoming’: Netflix to release Michelle Obama documentary

By Brianna Chambers, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Glamour Hosts "A Brighter Future: A Global Conversation on Girls' Education" With First Lady Michelle Obama Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama speaks during a panel discussion at Glamour Hosts "A Brighter Future: A Global Conversation on Girls' Education" with First Lady Michelle Obama at The Newseum on October 11, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Glamour) (Paul Morigi)

By Brianna Chambers, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Former first lady Michelle Obama will be the subject of a Netflix documentary based on the tour for her written memoir, “Becoming."

Echoing the book’s title, the “Becoming” documentary will follow Obama in a behind-the-scenes look at her events and travels in 34 cities across the U.S. and Europe as she promoted the book.

She held events at arenas between 2019 and 2020.

"Those months I spent traveling — meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe — drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can’t be messed with,” Obama wrote in a release. “In groups large and small, young and old, unique and united, we came together and shared stories, filling those spaces with our joys, worries, and dreams. We processed the past and imagined a better future. In talking about the idea of ‘becoming,’ many of us dared to say our hopes out loud.”

She continued: “I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, tend to our communities, and try to keep up with work and school while coping with huge amounts of loss, confusion, and uncertainty.”

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I’m excited to let you know that on May 6, @Netflix will release BECOMING, a documentary film directed by Nadia Hallgren that looks at my life and the experiences I had while touring following the release of my memoir. Those months I spent traveling—meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe—drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can’t be messed with. In groups large and small, young and old, unique and united, we came together and shared stories, filling those spaces with our joys, worries, and dreams. We processed the past and imagined a better future. In talking about the idea of ‘becoming,’ many of us dared to say our hopes out loud. I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, and cope with loss, confusion, and uncertainty. It’s hard these days to feel grounded or hopeful, but I hope that like me, you’ll find joy and a bit of respite in what Nadia has made. Because she’s a rare talent, someone whose intelligence and compassion for others comes through in every frame she shoots. Most importantly, she understands the meaning of community, the power of community, and her work is magically able to depict it. As many of you know, I’m a hugger. My whole life, I’ve seen it as the most natural and equalizing gesture one human can make toward another—the easiest way of saying, “I’m here for you.” And this is one of the toughest parts of our new reality: Things that once felt simple—going to see a friend, sitting with someone who is hurting, embracing someone new—are now not simple at all. But I’m here for you. And I know you are here for one another. Even as we can no longer safely gather we need to stay open and able to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. Empathy is our lifeline here. Let’s use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most, and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes. Even in hard times, our stories help cement our values and strengthen our connections. Sharing them shows us the way forward. I love and miss you all. #IAmBecoming

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“Becoming,” which won a Grammy as an audio book, has sold more than 10 million copies.

Here’s a first look at “Becoming," airing on Netflix starting May 6:

In February 2017, Penguin Random House announced plans to publish two books written by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama post-White House. Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” was released in November 2018. Barack Obama has yet to release a book post-presidency. A publishing official told The Associated Press that Barack Obama’s book would be “a straightforward memoir about his presidency.”

There’s no release date scheduled for the former president’s memoir. The AP suggested Barack Obama may wait until after 2020 to avoid the spotlight as voters focus on who’ll they’ll choose to vote for in the year’s presidential election.

In 2018, the Obamas signed a deal with Netflix to produce content for the streaming service via their production company, Higher Ground Productions. The company produced Oscar-winning documentary “American Factory” in February of this year. “Crip Camp,” also released this year, highlights a summer camp for teens with disabilities.

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