HBO Documentary Films Acquires Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project” [VIDEO]

HBO Documentary Films has acquired U.S. and Canada television and streaming rights to the critically acclaimed film, GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT, from Confluential Films and Rada Studio. From directors and producers Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson (“American Promise,” “Stateless”), producer Tommy Oliver (HBO’s “40 Years A Prisoner,” “Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss”), and executive producers Taraji P. Henson and Codie Elaine Oliver, the film premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival where it was selected as the Grand Jury Prize winner in the U.S. Documentary Competition and it is an official selection in the Spotlight section of the 61st New York Film Festival. The film will be available in theaters this fall ahead of its debut in 2024 on HBO and Max.

GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT travels through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of Nikki Giovanni, one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators. Giovanni reckons with the inevitable passing of time in intimate vérité and revealing archival footage. The film is a collision of memories, moments in American history, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of her poetry.

Directors Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson quote: “We are thrilled and deeply honored that HBO Documentary Films, a beacon of innovation, authenticity, and a leading force committed to the art of storytelling, has recognized the significance of our work. We believe that through this collaboration, GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT has found a home where it will shine and have a global reach.”

Tommy Oliver quote: “Joe and Michèle have crafted a bold, glorious, boundary-pushing portrait of one of our GREATS and I couldn’t be more excited to partner (yet again) with Lisa, Nancy, and the rest of the wonderful HBO Docs team to bring GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT to the world.”

Credits: Confluential Films and Rada Studio, in association with JustFilms | Ford Foundation; in association with Bertha DOC SOCIETY. Written and directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson; with the voice of Taraji P. Henson; producers, Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, Tommy Oliver; executive producers, Codie Elaine Oliver, Taraji P. Henson; editors, Terra Long, Lawrence Jackman, Regi Allen.

	Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
	Release: 2023-11-03Genre: DocumentaryDuration: 102 minsBudget: $ 0
	Overview Intimate vérité, archival footage, and visually innovative treatments of poetry take us on a journey through the dreamscape of legendary queer poet Nikki Giovanni as she reflects on her life and legacy.