Netflix revealed an updated lineup of films and series that will debut on the streaming platform under Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions banner.
"We created Higher Ground to tell great stories. This group of projects builds upon that goal and the incredible path forged by films like Crip Camp, Becoming and the Oscar-winning American Factory," the Obamas said in a statement shared by THR. "From science fiction to the beauty of our natural world to the relationships that define us, Higher Ground continues to strive for fresh perspectives, compelling characters and a healthy dose of inspiration."
The couple continued, "We couldn't be more proud to team up with the brilliant artists behind each of these stories. Each of them has something important to say."
Among the projects currently in the works is the Riz Ahmed-led Exit West, based on Mohsin Hamid's young adult novel of the same name. The series is set in an unidentified country in the Middle East and follows a young man named Saeed and a young woman named Nadia, who flee their home after Saeed’s mother is killed by a stray bullet.
Speaking about the Higher Ground projects that will be rolled out over the next few years, Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos added, "It has been thrilling to watch President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and the Higher Ground team dive into original programming and produce incredible stories."
Other projects announced this week include a second young adult series called Firekeeper's Daughter, a natural history series called Great National Parks, a Rian Johnson-helmed sci-film titled Satellite, a feature film based on the life of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay called Tenzing and The Young Wife.
The new projects joined the previously-confirmed animated kids' show Ada Twist, Scientist from executive producer Chris Nee and a docuseries titled The G Word With Adam Conover, which is loosely based on Michael Lewis' book The Fifth Risk.
Higher Ground Productions was founded by the Obamas in 2018. The company's first film was 2019's American Factory, which was released on Netflix and told the true story of a Chinese billionaire who opened a factory in an abandoned General Motors plant in Ohio. Other projects released in partnership with Netflix included Crip Camp, about a summer camp for teens with disabilities in New York, and Becoming -- which followed Michelle Obama on the book tour for her memoir of the same name.
Source: THR
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