Becoming: Michelle Obama documentary coming to Netflix next month

Film follows former first lady through a 34-city book tour

A surprise Michelle Obama documentary is coming to Netflix.

Becoming, named after the former first lady’s 2018 memoir, documents the 34-city tour she took part in around the time of its release.

Netflix announced the upcoming release on Monday, describing the movie as “an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House”.

“The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories,” reads the description.

Becoming will be available to stream on 6 May at 3am EDT.

“Those months I spent traveling – meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe – drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can’t be messed with. In groups large and small, young and old, unique and united, we came together and shared stories, filling those spaces with our joys, worries, and dreams,” Obama said in a statement published by Variety.

“We processed the past and imagined a better future. In talking about the idea of ‘becoming,’ many of us dared to say our hopes out loud.”

The former first lady expressed the hope that the documentary will provide comfort and hope to viewers during the coronavirus crisis.

“I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, tend to our communities, and try to keep up with work and school while coping with huge amounts of loss, confusion, and uncertainty,” she added.

“It’s hard these days to feel grounded or hopeful, but I hope that like me, you’ll find joy and a bit of respite in what [documentarian Nadia Hallgren] has made. Because she’s a rare talent, someone whose intelligence and compassion for others comes through in every frame she shoots. Most importantly, she understands the meaning of community, the power of community, and her work is magically able to depict it.”

Despite being released in November 2018, Becoming was the bestselling book of the year, having sold more than three million copies.