Ava DuVernay to produce new Prince documentary for Netflix

'The only way I know how to make this film is with love'

Ava DuVernay is working on a new Prince documentary (Getty)

Producer and director Ava DuVernay is working on a new Prince documentary with Netflix, according to reports.

Variety says that the project has the full support of the late artist's estate, which is providing interviews, archive footage and photos.

DuVernay told Deadline after the news broke this week: "Prince was a genius and a joy and jolt to the senses. The only way I know how to make this film is with love. And with great care, I'm honoured to do so and grateful for the opportunity entrusted to me by the estate."

The documentary will reportedly cover Prince and the Revolution's legendary show at First Avenue in Minneapolis, August 1983. The show marked the debut of guitarist Wendy Melvoin and the "Purple rain" era of the Revolution.

DuVernay is known for her work on the likes of Selma, Queen Sugar and A Wrinkle in Time. She made her big-screen debut in 2008 with her take on the alternative Nineties hip-hop scene in Los Angeles, This is the Life.

An album of material from Prince's famous music archive was released in September this year: Piano and a Microphone 1983. The record is comprised of solo piano demos for songs including "Purple Rain" and Prince's cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You".