Janet Jackson’s forthcoming documentary special is coming to UK screens later this month.
The feature, airing on Sky Documentaries and NOW from 31 January, has been in the works for five years and coincides with the 40th anniversary of the music icon’s 1982 self-titled debut album.
It relies heavily on archival footage and draws on key moments in the Control singer’s life, such as the death of Janet’s brother Michael Jackson in 2009.
Benjamin Hirsch, director, says: “The project started life as a behind-the-scenes tour film, but as Janet, who is a notoriously private person, started to open up we soon realised that there was a much bigger story to tell.
“To get the opportunity to tell her story and delve through never-before-seen personal archives has been fascinating.”
A recently released trailer features interview segments with Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Janelle Monae, Teyana Taylor, Tyler Perry and Q-Tip, who states: “For her to want to open up, I’m flabbergasted.”
Meanwhile, Janet herself also offers a commentary on aspects of her life, admitting of her childhood: “There were times when I just didn’t fit in.”
She also discusses her relationship with her father, late talent manager Joe, who she describes as “very strict” and “in charge of [her] life and career”
The documentary also features a host of personal footage, alongside images of her brother, King of Pop Michael Jackson, and Janet’s ‘Poetic Justice’ co-star, late rapper Tupac Shakur.
She says in the film: “This is my story told by me. Not through someone else’s eyes. This is the truth. Take it or leave it. Love it or hate it. This is me.”
