New Documentary About Whoopi Goldberg to Be Directed by Double Oscar Nominee Geeta Gandbhir
Imagine Documentaries and Message Pictures to Produce Definitive Whoopi Goldberg Documentary
Imagine Documentaries and Message Pictures have announced the upcoming production of a documentary centered on the life of Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg. This film aims to provide an in-depth exploration of Goldberg’s life, building upon her autobiography, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me. Acclaimed filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, who is nominated for two Academy Awards this year, will lead the direction.
The documentary promises to present Goldberg in her own words, utilizing a wealth of archival tapes, performance footage, and personal materials. A statement from the production team describes the project as an "intimate look into the life of Goldberg née Caryn Elaine Johnson, the private, introverted, and deeply observant woman behind the audacious, boundary-breaking legend."
Further details reveal that the film will trace Goldberg’s rise to fame, juxtaposing historical footage with contemporary observational insights. It will showcase her creative process as she reimagines her iconic 1984 Broadway one-woman show, The Whoopi Monologues, for Lincoln Center. The documentary will also provide glimpses into her personal life, including her work with Tom Leonardis, her producing partner of over 30 years, her family life, including her new great-grandchild, and her quieter existence in Italy.
Director Geeta Gandbhir commented, “Whoopi Goldberg is a brilliant and groundbreaking storyteller who has shaped the landscape of entertainment for years. I, along with my partners Sam Pollard and Alisa Payne at Message Pictures, Whoopi’s long-time producing partner Tom Leonardis, and Imagine Documentaries, are honored to bring her story to life in this documentary.”
Sara Bernstein, president of Imagine Documentaries, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Imagine is thrilled to reunite with my friend and longtime collaborator, the exceptional Geeta Gandbhir, Tom Leonardis, and Message Pictures on this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the singular icon that is Whoopi Goldberg. The world needs more Whoopi!”
The documentary project also receives support from One Hoe Productions, Goldberg’s own production company. As she prepares for this endeavor, the host of The View is in pre-production for Sister Act 3, the latest installment in the beloved franchise. Goldberg indicated that adjustments are being made following the death of co-star Maggie Smith but assured fans that the project will proceed.
Imagine Documentaries is renowned for producing acclaimed documentary films, including Music by John Williams, directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Jim Henson Idea Man, directed by Ron Howard, and Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, directed by Jackie Jesko, among others.
