We’ve written before about the complexity of the artist and activist we knew as Nina Simone. And while we reported that a documentary about her life was coming to Netflix, now there is a trailer and release date attached to the project.
The film, What Happened, Miss Simone?, directed by Liz Garbus, will include never-before-heard recordings, archival footage, interviews, diary entires, letters and interviews with Nina’s daughter Lisa Simone Kelly.
You may remember last year, Lisa said, “My mother could be a monster. I was not a happy child when I was alone with her. My mum shot me down a lot, attacked me in public. It is easy to attack children, they are small and depend on you.”
In the trailer for the documentary, Lisa applauded her mother’s talent, calling her one of the greatest entertainers to ever live. And in addition to that, she noted that Simone used her talent and her voice to fight for Black people. Lisa said, “She was a revolutionary, she found a purpose for the stage.”
Yet, there was another side to her. “When the show ended, she was alone, full of anger and rage.”
In the trailer, we hear Nina herself say, “I have to live with Nina and that is so difficult.”
Take a look at the trailer below and get ready to explore an extraordinary life.
