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The Selena Gomez documentary and 9 other upcoming music docs to look out for
From Leonard Cohen to Lizzo, there’s lots of great music documentaries to look forward to in the coming months
It’s recently been announced that the highly anticipated Selena Gomez documentary will premier on Apple TV+ on November 4. Titled Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, the film spans a six year period in the pop star/actress’ life, with a focus on her mental health journey. It’s directed and produced by Alek Keshishian, creator of the egregiously successful Madonna: Truth or Dare, and comes to Apple TV+ from the same production company that delivered Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, so fans can rest assured that the project is in great hands.
Looking for more up close and personal insights into the lives of your favourite musicians? Here are some of the other music documentaries to watch out for in the coming months.
Eno
Influential British musician Brian Eno has his first authorized documentary in the works, under the helm of director Gary Hustwit. Eno had previously turned down multiple offers by other documentarians because the idea of being the focus of a ‘conventional bio-doc’ didn’t sit right with him. Feature film Eno is not conventional. Making use of groundbreaking generative technology, the film will be released in multiple versions, designed to adapt to devices in a reflection of the way in which Eno uses technology in his creative processes.
Eno is expected to be released in 2023.
James Brown: Say It Loud
This four-part documentary series offers a deep dive into the life and career of the Godfather of Soul. It will feature direction from Deborah Riley Draper, with a roster of musical executive producers including Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter and Mick Jagger. This is not the first time that Jagger has been involved in Brown’s life story, having previously served as a producer on the HBO documentary Mr Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown.
James Brown: Say It Loud is set to arrive in 2023.
![MOONAGE DAYDREAM - Official Trailer [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QUvjaPIEIBs/0.jpg)
Moonage Daydream
Moonage Daydream premiered at Cannes Film Festival on May 23 this year to critical acclaim. The first Bowie film to be officially authorised by the late musician’s estate, it utilises unique, kaleidoscopic visuals to tell Bowie’s story and convey his artistry. The film was written, directed, produced and edited by filmmaker Brett Morgan.
Moonage Daydream will be released for streaming on HBO Max in spring 2023.
The Untitled Lizzo Documentary
It’s unclear if this title is sticking around – we’re all aware that Lizzo has a great sense of humour. Whatever, the case may be, her upcoming documentary is set to be an engaging watch, documenting her entire career from her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise. Doug Pray directs whilst Lizzo herself serves as executive producer.
The Untitled Lizzo Documentary heads to HBO Max this fall.
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song
Based on Alan Light’s 2012 book The Holy or the Broken, this tender tribute from Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine celebrates Cohen’s life and music with a focus on his beloved track, ‘Hallelujah’. Making use of archival footage interspersed with interviews from friends and fans, it aims to give a complete picture of the musician and his impact.
You can catch this one now, as it just came out in theatres.
Dio: Dreamers Never Die
This will be the first career-spanning documentary of heavy metal artist Ronnie James Dio, with an aim to tell the complete story of his career and legacy. Directed by Don Argott and Demian Fenton, the film will use archival footage and interviews to immerse the viewer in Dio’s life.
Dio: Dreamers Never Die comes to cinemas worldwide from September 28.
Dilla Time
Roots drummer Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson has certainly been busy lately. On top of James Brown: Say It Loud, the drummer will also be executive producing a documentary feature film about hip hop artist J Dilla. Based on the book of the same name by Dan Charnas, Dilla Time will be directed by Patel and Darby Wheeler. It is the first documentary to be endorsed by Dilla’s family.
There’s no official release date for this one, but fans can probably expect it some time in 2023.
The Return of Tanya Tucker
Directed by Kathlyn Horan, The Return of Tanya Tucker documents the country music singer’s return to the recording studio. Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings are major players as they work with Tucker to produce her first original album in 17 years, While I’m Livin’. The result is not just an insight into Tucker’s career and process, but an intimate look into the relationship between artist and producer.
The Return of Tanya Tucker is set for release this October 21.
Nothing Compares
Belfast filmmaker Kathryn Ferguson makes her directorial debut with Nothing Compares, a look into the life, career and controversies of Sinead O’Connor. Billed as an examination of O’Connor’s rise and exile “through a contemporary feminist lens”, the film has won several awards at Irish film festivals and debuted at Sundance in the US earlier this year.
Nothing Compares comes to cinemas from October 7.