A new documentary celebrating the genius and influence of George Michael will premiere on Wednesday 22nd June 2022, the upcoming film will enjoy a global release within participating countries and cinemas. The Grammy award-winning artist was heavily involved in the film before his tragic passing in 2016 and provides narration throughout, George Michael Freedom Uncut serves as a perfect tribute to his enduring legacy.
A press release for the film provides the following description, “The film features George’s incredible, unseen archival and private home footage, giving viewers a first-person account of this dramatic period in his life, revealing how he became one of the most influential recording artists of all time, who alone fought a corner for all artists by challenging the standard recording contract helping to rewrite the rules of the music industry. He talks about why he stepped out of the lime light and turned his back on celebrity. ”
The film focuses on a difficult but poignant time in Michael’s life and career and charts the period after the release of his debut album Faith. The documentary pays special attention to the making and release of the singer’s 1990 album Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1, the infamous court battle with his record label which followed the release is also fully documented.
The singer’s personal life is fundamentally an important element in the film, George Michael Freedom Uncut shows the painful journey the singer endured following the passing of his first love Anselmo Feleppa. The two met at the Rock in Rio concert and became a couple in 1992, Feleppa tragically lost his life in 1993 due to an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage. The film shows the singer’s bravery in the face of tragedy when he must endure sadness again with the passing of his mother.
The main theme seen throughout the documentary is Michael’s meteoric rise to the important cultural figure he became. Featured within the documentary is the artist’s most beloved music video and single “Freedom! 90”, all supermodels which were famously featured in the video appear in the documentary to discuss the production’s making. Released in 1990, the video became a worldwide hit and marked the birth of a new generation within culture and the music industry. The video was directed by Oscar Nominated and Grammy award-winning David Fincher, the director best known for his work with pop music’s most successful artists.
The film’s co-director and producer David Austin has given a statement concerning the release, “The film is George’s final work. Narrated by George himself, it is the complete story. George Michael was an inspiring artist whose story deserves to be shared on the big screen globally.” Sony Music Entertainment’s President of Premium Content Tom Mackay has also supplied a statement “In honor of George’s birthday this June, we are thrilled to be working with David Austin and our partners at Trafalgar Releasing to bring fans unprecedented access to his extraordinary life both on and off stage.”
Along with exclusive and never before seen footage, the documentary will also feature interviews with some of Michael’s most beloved duet partners and musical friends including Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, comedian Ricky Gervais, Tracey Emin, Mary J. Blige, Tony Bennett and Nile Rodgers.
Tickets go on sale from Wednesday 27th April 2022, more information concerning ticket sales can be found here.
