"Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project" - on HBO

"Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project"

HBO Documentary Films Secures Rights for Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner --- "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project"

HBO Documentary Films has secured exclusive television and streaming rights for the highly acclaimed film "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," produced by Confluential Films and Rada Studio. Directed and produced by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson ("American Promise," "Stateless"), along with 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 made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where it received the Grand Jury Prize in the U.S. Documentary Competition. Additionally, the film is an official selection in the Spotlight section of the 61st New York Film Festival. Audiences can catch the film in theaters this fall before its premiere on HBO and Max in 2024.

"Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project" takes audiences on a journey through time and space, uncovering the lasting influence of Nikki Giovanni, an iconic American artist and social commentator. The film delves into Giovanni's contemplation of the passage of time, combining intimate vérité moments with revealing archival footage. It's a collage of memories, historical moments, live readings, and visually inventive interpretations of her poetry.

Directors Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson shared their excitement: "We're overjoyed and deeply honored that HBO Documentary Films, a beacon of innovation and authenticity, and a leader in storytelling, has recognized the significance of our work. Through this collaboration, 'Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project' has found a home where it can shine and reach a global audience."

Producer Tommy Oliver added, "Joe and Michèle have crafted a bold, magnificent portrait of one of our greats, and I'm thrilled to once again partner with Lisa, Nancy, and the outstanding HBO Docs team to bring 'Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project' to audiences around the world."

The film is a collaboration between Confluential Films and Rada Studio, in association with JustFilms | Ford Foundation, and in association with Bertha DOC SOCIETY. Written and directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, with the voice of Taraji P. Henson; producers include Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, and Tommy Oliver; executive producers are Codie Elaine Oliver and Taraji P. Henson; the editing team comprises Terra Long, Lawrence Jackman, and Regi Allen.

Founded by Guggenheim fellows and four-time Emmy-nominated partners Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, Rada Studio (www.radastudio.org) pushes the boundaries of storytelling form by embracing the rich legacy of the Black radical tradition. Their work centers around the Black diasporic experience, telling deeply personal stories created for BIPOC communities while resonating with global audiences. Rada Studio's accomplishments include Sundance Jury Prizes for "American Promise" and "Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," as well as Emmy-nominated projects.

Confluential Films (www.confluentialfilms.com), founded by writer/director/producer Tommy Oliver, is a Black-owned production company dedicated to telling culturally specific stories at the crossroads of art and entertainment. 

Their recent projects include "Young. Wild. Free.," "Fancy Dance," "To Live and Die and Live," and the Documentary Grand Jury Prize winner "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project." Past works include the AFI Audience Award-winner "Juice WRLD: Into the Abyss" and the HBO documentary "40 Years A Prisoner."