Nina Simone is an icon of jazz music, a song writer, virtuoso pianist and civil rights activist. The upcoming documentary based on her life is entitled What Happened, Miss Simone? and wishes to trace the artist in her concerts, including unrevealed footage. The director behind the project is Liz Garbus. Netflix is the streaming service which will bring Nina Simone into the houses and hearts of the people starting from 2015.
Liz Garbus recommends herself as an appreciated documentarian, as her 2012 Love, Marilyn rightly proves, a documentary based on excerpts from memoirs (from other people) gathered and written by Truman Capote. The work of the director includes other titles like Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011), There’s Something Wrong with Aunt Diane (2011) or The Execution of Wanda Jean (2009). As for the 2015 set Nina Simone documentary, Liza Garbus seems to be exhilarated by the idea that Netflix chose to adopt it: “I’m thrilled that Netflix has embraced the incredible story of Nina Simone and partnered with RadicalMedia on this film.” When it comes to speak about the jazz icon in particular, she feels quite attached to her passion and legendary status and she sees her involvement as director in the project like both an honor and a blessing: “Nina feels like a treasured secret. With ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’, I’m excited to help bring her passion, her music and her story to the world.”
Nina Simone died in 2003, but she will forever be part of the musical world through her immortal songs, which ‘’put a spell on’’ every person who listens to her works. What Happened, Miss Simone? is another great proof of her influence in the world and according to Variety, it will encompass more than 100 hours of great recordings, diary excerpts and letters of and about the artist. What gives authenticity to the 2015 documentary is the interest and involvement of the singer’s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, who will also appear in the film. Other interviews incorporated into the documentary are based on confessions of friends and collaborators.