Jay Z Set to Create Documentary Series for National Geographic Titled ‘Race’
National Geographic will be teaming up with Jay Z and The Weinstein Company for a six-part docuseries about systemic injustices in America.
According to Variety, “Race” will explore crime and punishment, wealth inequality, the role of social media, activism, and family. The six-episode series will use documentary, animation, and archival footage to tell the stories from a diverse mix of people from cities across America, ranging from immigrants to first-generation Americans.
“The stories explored in the project are necessary, and conversations that this series will inspire are needed. The country is not more divided than ever. The deep-rooted wounds and beliefs that are ingrained in our psyche and infect our society have always been here. Right now, we are experiencing the resurgence of attitudes from an ugly time in our history,” Jay Z said in a press release. “When talking heads spoke of a post-racial United States of America, prejudices snuck into dark corners; injustices never stopped; and stereotypes never faded. Why can’t a person of color walk down the street? Why is a person of color guilty until proven innocent? What is the responsibility of the media, local officials, community and religious leaders? What is our responsibility to each other? With this series, in partnership with The Weinstein Company and National Geographic, we hope to hold a mirror to our broken institutions and ourselves.”
Although there is no set premiere date, “Race” will air globally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 45 languages, per press release. Additionally, National Geographic will dedicate its January 2018 issue to race.
“National Geographic and JAY Z are the world’s foremost storytellers in their own right, and we’re thrilled to be working with them on such an evocative and meaningful project,” Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman, The Weinstein Company said in a press release. “By using highly cinematic storytelling techniques along with JAY Z’s singular point of view, the series will tell a dramatic, thought-provoking story on race in America.”
“Race” will be the third project from Jay Z and The Weinstein Company, who inked a two-year contract back in September 2016. Recently, the duo produced Time: The Kalief Browder Story for Spike and are currently working on a feature film and docuseries about Trayvon Martin, which is set to premiere in 2018.
