Netflix Is Releasing a Documentary About Michelle Obama Called ‘Becoming’

Following the mega-success of her New York Times Best-Selling memoir, Becoming, Netflix is debuting a new documentary based on former First Lady Michelle Obama‘s life and book tour. Since the Obamas left the White House in January 2017, they have been taking some much deserved time for themselves.

Though Mrs. Obama released Becoming, and she and former President Barack Obama often speak out about global and national events, they have mostly remained out of the spotlight focusing on their major deal with Netflix and other projects.  In Becoming Mrs. Obama explained, “Here I am, in this new place, with a lot I want to say.”

Since she no longer has to be in the spotlight unless she wants to be, the former lawyer says she’s been thrilled to be focusing on herself, her family, and her marriage. “We are finding each other again,” she explained. “We have dinners alone and chunks of time where it’s just us — what we were when we started this thing: no kids, no publicity, no nothing. Just us and our dreams.” Now, amid her new Netflix documentary, Michelle Obama is opening up her life to us once again.

Netflix is releasing a documentary about Michelle Obama

Helmed by director Nadia Hallgren, Netflix is debuting an Original Documentary Feature called Becoming about Michelle Obama. According to the logline,

Becoming is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House. The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories.

The film will debut on Netflix on May 6.

Michelle Obama has called moments from ‘Becoming’ treasured

It was not too long ago that the Princeton University alum was touring the country spreading her wisdom to generations of women who were enthralled by her book.

“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,” the former First Lady said in a statement. “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.”

Michelle Obama thought it was important to share her story now

Like many of us, the Obamas are currently adhering to social distancing guidelines and sheltering-in-place amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mrs. Obama wanted to release Becoming, the film, as a way to connect with us all.

“As many of you know, I’m a hugger,” she explained. “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. Let’s use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most, reconsider our priorities, and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes.”

Becoming is just one of the many projects that will be released under the Obamas production deal with Netflix.