Sidney Poitier is the subject of a documentary currently in development for Apple Original Films with Oprah Winfrey in executive production.
The documentary, by Winfrey’s Harpo Productions and Network Entertainment, has been in the works for over a year. The project will be directed by Reggie Hudlin, whose credits include “House Party” and “Boomerang”, as well as episodes of the television series “The Last OG” and “Black Monday”. Hudlin is also known as the executive producer of the NAACP Image Awards since 2013.
In the documentary realm, Hudlin directed the 2019 film “The Black Godfather” about the life and times of music producer Clarence Avant, who recently made headlines after the murder of his wife, philanthropist Jackie. Before, in their Beverly Hills home.
Hudlin is already a member of the Apple family, where he is producing two other documentaries for Apple TV +. He will be directing “Number One on the Call Sheet” about black men in Hollywood, and will produce another documentary examining the history of black women, which Shola Lynch will direct.
“For me, the tallest of the ‘Big Trees’ has fallen: Sidney Poitier,” Winfrey said in a statement after Poitier’s death on Friday. “My honor to have loved him as a mentor. Friend. Brother. Confidant. Professor of wisdom. The greatest consideration and praise for her most magnificent, gracious and eloquent life. I cherished it. I loved it. He had a huge soul that I will cherish forever. Blessings to Joanna and her world of beautiful girls.
Poitier, who died at the age of 94, was the first black to win the Oscar for best actor.
