Ava DuVernay-Directed Nipsey Hussle Doc Heads To Netflix
Last April, following the tragic murder of Nipsey Hussle, Ava DuVernay expressed her feeling “motivated” by the “respectful” coverage of his death, and now its spawned a new documentary, headed straight to Netflix.
DuVernay will produce and direct a feature-length doc on the late rapper and serial-entrepreneur, with a reported eight-figure deal with the streaming network.
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Additionally, the project will be a co-production between DuVernay’s ARRAY banner and Hussle’s Marathon Films. Deadline reports, “Nipsey’s estate reached out to DuVernay directly based on their admiration for her work on the likes of 13th and When They See Us.”
DuVernay’s new documentary follows comments made last year during her acceptance speech at the Free Expression Awards; where she, herself, received an honor.
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She stated:
“This week, I have been motivated and deeply moved by the press coverage of this brother from South Central Los Angeles. His life has galvanized a …response that has become a real powerful moment for me and for so many people who rarely see that kind of attention given to people like him.
She adds:
I was honestly surprised by the quality of coverage of television outlets, local and national, who covered the story over a number of days with what felt like actual respect. So many journalists rising to the sad occasion with the clarity and care that I rarely recall for the … discussion of black life. I will always hold him in my heart. A heart that breaks for his family tonight, that breaks for all of us who loved and admired him. His vision and voice will continue to ring in my ears like they did when we talked. Thank you, Nipsey. May you rise in power and be a reminder to us all to live and tell our truth as fiercely and as adamantly as you did. Until we meet again.”
Congrats to #ARRAYNow Founder @Ava DuVernay on being honored with the 2019 Free Expression Award this evening! Ava dedicated her award to Nipsey Hussle who "told his truth through art.” pic.twitter.com/jXxK0Bl72O
— ARRAY (@ARRAYNow) April 5, 2019
I’ll remember him this way. Bright, genuine, forward thinking.
I’ll remember the beauty that he saw in our community. And the beauty that he was.
He loved us. He’s left that love with us. And it cannot die.
Rest in Power, King. You mattered. #FarewellNipsey pic.twitter.com/fiSvURrz3U
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 1, 2019