Higher Ground Productions, the production company owned by Barack and Michelle Obama, has revealed its initial set of projects, reports Variety. They include adaptations of Michael Lewis’ “The Fifth Risk,” a Frederick Douglass biopic, and a period drama set in the fashion world penned by Callie Khouri. The content comprises a range of scripted and unscripted projects for a range of audiences, as well as full-length features and documentaries.
The announcement includes seven projects that are in various different stages of development, to be released over the next several years. The former President and first lady launched Higher Ground last spring. “We created Higher Ground to harness the power of storytelling. That’s why we couldn’t be more excited about these projects,” former President Barack Obama said. “Touching on issues of race and class, democracy and civil rights, and much more, we believe each of these productions won’t just entertain, but will educate, connect and inspire us all.”
Higher Ground has made a point of focusing on stories that reflect a range of “interests and experiences” but are “relevant to our daily lives,” added Michelle. “We think there’s something here for everyone — moms and dads, curious kids, and anyone simply looking for an engaging, uplifting watch at the end of a busy day. We can’t wait to see these projects come to life — and the conversations they’ll generate.” One of the early projects is a feature film adaptation of author David W. Blight’s “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom,” for which he won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in History.
