Produced in collaboration with legendary artist Stevie Wonder, the untitled feature-length documentary provides unprecedented access, including rare, personal, and never-before-seen archival footage in Wonder’s first authorized on-screen exploration of his own legacy.
TIME Studios, the Emmy Award-winning television, film, audio and immersive division of TIME, and Eyes ‘n’ Sound LLC have partnered to produce a landmark feature documentary that chronicles the cultural, political, and musical journey to make Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a federal holiday.
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The film explores Stevie Wonder’s personal connection to the efforts to get a national law recognizing the birthday of Dr. King. It highlights the inspiration that fueled a years-long campaign culminating in President Ronald Reagan signing the bill that established Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday in 1983. Central to the film is the story behind “Happy Birthday,” the iconic song released on Wonder’s 1980 album Hotter Than July. While now a staple at global celebrations, few realize its original purpose: to drive national momentum behind honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a federal holiday.
The film will feature rare and never-before-seen archival footage, as well as Wonder himself on screen, offering personal insights into this pivotal chapter of American history.
“I’m excited to tell the story of the making of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday,” said Wonder. “More importantly, I want us to learn and remember this story with today’s eye and understanding. If we truly understood how this bill came to be, then we will really appreciate the power of the people.”
“We are honored to help bring this important chapter of history to light and to work with Stevie Wonder in telling the story of how his artistry and activism helped shape a national movement. We believe this film will spark meaningful conversations about the profound impact one person’s voice and vision can have on our culture and world,” said Lynne Benioff, Co-owner and Co-Chair of TIME and Executive Producer.
“This is a story of art as activism, and Stevie Wonder as an artist whose music has truly changed the world,” said Loren Hammonds, Head of Documentary for TIME Studios. “It’s also a fun cinematic glimpse into the creation of an iconic song that we know will surprise and move audiences.”
The film will be directed by Academy Award nominee Traci Curry (ATTICA) who recently helmed National Geographic’s documentary series Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time.
“What’s most exciting about the opportunity to look deeper into Stevie Wonder’s ‘Happy Birthday’ and the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday is how this story might offer insight and guidance for the political moment we’re in now,” said Curry. “In exploring the making of the holiday and the conviction behind Stevie’s creativity, I’ve discovered there is so much more to the work, the song, and this iconic artist than most people realize. I am profoundly honored to help bring that deeper story to life in this film.”
The untitled film is currently in production and marks the first time Stevie Wonder has participated in a documentary focused on his own career and activism. The film will be a production of Eyes ‘n’ Sound LLC, a Stevie Wonder production company and TIME Studios. Stevie Wonder is producing on behalf of Eyes ‘n’ Sound LLC in conjunction with Theresa Cropper.
Stevie Wonder and TIME Studios are both represented by CAA. Traci Curry is represented by WME.
TIME Studios has established itself as a leading force in music and cultural icon documentaries, producing critically acclaimed projects such as Frida, Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, the Aretha Franklin concert film Amazing Grace, and John Lewis: Good Trouble, which chronicles the life and legacy of the civil rights leader and congressman.