*Miramax has acquired the U.S. distribution rights for the Whitney Houston documentary, “Whitney,” which will highlight the life and career of the late singer. Roadside Attractions is handling the U.S. theatrical release, set to be directed by Oscar winner Kevin Macdonald (“One Day in September”).
The documentary will be produced by Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and Jonathan Chinn (“Fantastic Lies”). Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall from Altitude Film Entertainment will executive produce. Altitude will handle international sales. Houston’s estate has granted the filmmakers exclusive access to the archives of never-seen-before materials. The film will also feature interviews with friends, family and collaborators, per TheWrap.
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“The story that is never told about Whitney is just how brilliant she was as an artist; by many measures she had the greatest voice of the last 50 years,” said Macdonald. “She changed the way pop music was sung — bringing it back full circle to its blues and gospel roots. She was also completely unique in being a pop star who sold in countries where black artists didn’t traditionally sell.”
In related news, Justin Chadwick (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”) is in talks to direct the still-untitled Johnnie Cochran movie starring Anthony Mackie. The film focuses on the wrongful death case of college football player Ron Settles, who was found severely beaten and hanging in his cell after he was arrested in 1981.
“It’s a huge opportunity,” Mackie told TheWrap about the role in May. “People know Johnnie Cochran as the O.J. lawyer, but Cochran changed the face of civil dissent, he brought theatrics to the courtroom. It’s a honor to be able to play him.”
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