HBO Max has acquired the rights to On the Record, the documentary about Russell Simmons’ sexual assault accusers. The film premiered at Sundance last week. Originally, Oprah Winfrey was going to executive produce the film and release it as a part of her deal with Apple TV+, but she pulled out earlier this year after believing the doc was not ready to premiere at Sundance.
“The fierce determination of Drew Dixon and all of the women who bravely chose to share their stories in On The Record moved us profoundly,” says Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, in a statement received by Shadow And Act. “I’ve been impressed with Amy and Kirby’s work over the years covering this complex subject matter, and look forward to this film finding the widest possible audience.”
The official description of the film reads, “On The Record presents the haunting story of music executive Drew Dixon (producer of hit records for Method Man and Mary J. Blige, Estelle, Kanye West and Whitney Houston) as she grapples with her decision to become one of the first women of color, in the wake of #MeToo, to come forward and publicly accuse hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct. The film chronicles not only Dixon’s story but that of several other accusers–Sil Lai Abrams, Sheri Hines, Jenny Lumet, Alexia Norton Jones–delving deeply into the ways women of colors’ voices are all too often silenced and ignored when reporting these crimes; as well as the various cultural forces that conspire to make them reluctant to do so.”
“Kirby and I are so proud to be teaming with HBO Max to give this film the outstanding platform it deserves and can’t wait for the public to see and hear the voices of these courageous women,” said Amy Ziering.
“Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering (the filmmakers) are national treasures,” said Dan Cogan and Jenny Raskin of Impact Partners. “We are honored that HBO Max has decided to embrace this highly-anticipated film as their first festival acquisition ever, and we are thrilled for them to share it with their new audience.”
READ MORE:
Oprah Says Her Exit From Russell Simmons Doc Is ‘Not A Victory For Him’
Photo: Jane Doe Films
From Harlem to Hollywood, get the Black entertainment news you need in your inbox daily.
