Going to Mars: the Nikki Giovanni Project
Through intimate vérité, archival footage, and visually innovative treatments of her poetry, Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project pushes the boundaries of biographical documentary film by travelling through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators.
Interview with Directors Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Nikki Giovanni is an important icon in the Black American community. She embodies the spirit of creating provocative counter-narratives that have impacted and inspired the Black diaspora over decades. Telling her story is an integral part of our artistic vision and mission at Rada Studio, engaging with and celebrating the complexity of Black humanity is what we do.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Nikki’s ability to challenge conventional norms of how we see the world and ourselves is exceptional. As a historian and poet, she also pushes us to reimagine the Black American journey, our contribution to American culture, and how we engage with the future.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Nikki's childhood was traumatic, yet she has managed to cope with that trauma in her special way, through her writing. Her work sets an example for us and a way to process our own personal and collective trauma, and challenges assumptions about who we are. Her poetry encourages us to acknowledge the past and celebrate our successes and perseverance. This is an Afrofuturistic concept, to take history and use it to shine a light on and shape our future.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The documentary was initially pitched as “I’m Not Your Negro" meets "Montage Of Heck.” The film has not changed in this regard. It's funnier than we expected, but Nikki is hilarious. We kept very close to our initial concept of centering the film around Nikki’s poetry and building the story entirely in Nikki’s voice.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
“More, more, more…” Our screenings have ended with audiences asking for more poetry, more comedy, and more conversations with James Baldwin. One surprising note is that our test audiences seem compelled to speak about their own relationships with family and loved ones. We are surprised that the film was experienced as so deeply emotionally evocative. That’s a good thing.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above and none of the above. Nikki’s life is a masterclass in independence and self-determination. The film is being released to the world, and we are confident it will find a way to inspire and challenge audiences and the next generation of artists and changemakers.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We want the audience to see and feel the care and love we put into building this work. We want the audience to appreciate the strength and wisdom of Black women and also, to appreciate the power of independent thinking in inspiring others. Maybe those who don’t know Nikki Giovanni will be inspired to know more about her, and for those who know her work will deepen their appreciation for her contributions.
Interview: January 2023
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Going to Mars: the Nikki Giovanni Project
Through intimate vérité, archival footage, and visually innovative treatments of her poetry, Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project pushes the boundaries of biographical documentary film by travelling through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators.
Length: 1:41:00
Director: Michèle Stephenson, Joe Brewster
Producer: Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson, Tommy Oliver
Writer: Michèle Stephenson, Joe Brewster
About the writer, director and producer:
MICHÈLE STEPHENSON is a platform-agnostic artist who pulls from her Haitian and Panamanian roots to create stories centering on the lived experiences of the Black diaspora. She is a Guggenheim fellow and Creative Capital artist. Stephenson lives in Brooklyn with her creative and life partner, Joe Brewster.
JOE BREWSTER is a media-maker who believes in the healing power of stories. Brewster left his medical practice to create immersive, narrative, and documentary stories that provoke, challenge, and inspire. He is an Independent Spirit Award and four-time Emmy nominee, a jury prize winner at Tribeca and Sundance, and a Guggenheim fellow.
Key cast: Nikki Giovanni (subject)
Website: radastudio.org/portfolio-item/goingtomars
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Sundance Film Festival / Park City, Utah - January 20, 2023