More than a year after they landed a multi-project Netflix deal, Barack and Michelle Obama have shared the details of what audiences can expect.
The couple's company Higher Ground Productions confirmed a total seven projects in the works, including scripted series, documentaries, and feature-length films—all of which were selected to reflect the values of resilience, determination, hope, and unity.
"We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited about these projects," Barack Obama said in a press 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."
The projects include a biopic based off David W. Blight's Pulitzer-winning book Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom; a documentary that centers on a Chinese billionaire who opens a factory at an abandoned General Motors plant; a post-WWII drama series about the "barriers faced by women and by people of color in an era marked by hurdles but also tremendous progress"; and Listen to Your Vegetables & Eat Your Parents, a 30-minute children's series about food.
"We love this slate because it spans so many different interests and experiences, yet it’s all woven together with stories that are relevant to our daily lives," Michelle Obama said. "We think there’s something here for everyone—moms and dads, curious kids, and anyone simply looking for an engaging, uplifting watch at the end of a busy day. We can’t wait to see these projects come to life—and the conversations they’ll generate."
Higher Grounds and Netflix will also deliver Crip Camp, a documentary that explores a summer camp for disabled teenagers; an anthology inspired on the New York Times column Overlooked; and a non-fiction series based on Michael Lewis best-seller The Fifth Risk: Undoing Democracy.
According to Netflix, all Higher Grounds projects are in the development stage, and will be released over the next several years. You can learn more about the projects at the streaming service's website.
