Becoming Barbra: A new Streisand documentary in the works

Barbra Streisand, the ultimate gay icon whose career has spanned over six decades, is set to have her life and achievements chronicled in a comprehensive documentary. The yet-untitled film will be directed by the acclaimed Frank Marshall, known for his work on documentaries about musical titans such as The Bee Gees and Carole King.

The multi-part documentary, produced by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney, will delve deep into Streisand’s vast archives. This treasure trove includes never-before-seen videos, audio recordings, and personal mementoes, promising an intimate portrayal of the star. In collaboration with Sony Music Vision, Columbia Records, Jigsaw Productions, and The Kennedy/Marshall Company, the film aims to explore every facet of Streisand’s illustrious career and her current projects.

“Utilizing this treasure trove of archival materials alongside contemporary verité, the documentary will provide an in-depth look at Streisand’s star-studded past and her current artistic endeavors,” read an official statement.

Barbra Streisand, now 82, expressed her excitement about the documentary in a statement, highlighting the significance of her personal archives: “For years, I’ve been thinking about the best way to share the vast amount of content I’ve been safely storing in my vault. These films, photos, and music masters—many never seen or heard by the public—hold some of my most cherished memories.” She also praised the project’s key players: “I’m so pleased that producer Alex Gibney and director Frank Marshall have agreed to take this journey with me. Expert reporting, but with personality, is something I hold dear.”

Marshall, who has a robust portfolio of acclaimed documentary works, shared his enthusiasm: “We have been given unprecedented access to archival footage from decades of Barbra’s ground-breaking career and intimate visibility to the trailblazing she continues to do today. Uncovering these remarkable moments illustrates why she has become an enduring icon to a global audience of all generations.”

Gibney echoed Marshall’s sentiments, noting the long-standing desire for a definitive documentary on Streisand. “People have been talking about the need for the definitive documentary on Barbra Streisand for years. After a series of wonderful conversations and rigorous research, we are moving forward with Frank Marshall at the helm. I am delighted to produce this film on Barbra, a legendary singer, extraordinary actor, director, and political activist who inspires us all.”

The documentary is being presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision, alongside Columbia Records, the label Streisand signed with in 1962. Streisand’s long-time representative, Marty Erlichman, is also involved in the project. Tom Mackay, head of Sony Music’s Premium Content team, and Sony Music Chairman Rob Stringer have both been acknowledged by Streisand for their unwavering support.

This cinematic project follows the release of Streisand’s memoir, My Name is Barbra, in 2023, which provided fans with a deep dive into her life through a 1,000-page narrative. The memoir was met with substantial acclaim, with sales figures bolstering her already formidable legacy.

Source: Noah Wire Services