George Michael Freedom Uncut is getting a global cinema release.
Sony Music Entertainment and Trafalgar Releasing have announced a June 22 release date for the autobiographical feature documentary, which is narrated by the late superstar artist.
George Michael was heavily involved in the making of the documentary before his tragic death in 2016. This 108-minute version has 17 minutes of extra footage that didn’t appear in the Channel 4 cut of George Michael Freedom.
Details of participating countries and cinemas will be listed on georgemichaelfreedomuncut.com from April 27.
The film covers the turbulent period after Faith leading up to, during and after the making of his Listen Without Prejudice: Vol 1 album in 1990.
“George Michael Freedom Uncut is also a brilliant reminder of Michael’s outstanding musical genius during the Wham! years and throughout his solo career,” said the announcement. “The film features timeless duets with George’s favourite artists and explores how he influenced the cultural landscape of his generation as one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.”
Interwoven with exclusive, personal archival footage, the theatrical release includes previously unseen footage from Freedom! ’90. The music video has been recently remastered in 4K and will screen in full ahead of the main feature in cinemas worldwide.
The feature documentary is produced by Big Geoff Overseas Limited in conjunction with Sony Music Entertainment, and distributed theatrically worldwide by Trafalgar Releasing.
David Austin, co-producer, collaborator and manager for George Michael, said: “The film is George's final work. Narrated by George himself, it is the complete story."
“George Michael was an inspiring artist whose story deserves to be shared on the big screen globally,” said Tom Mackay, president, premium content, Sony Music Entertainment. “In honour of George’s birthday this June, we are thrilled to be working with David Austin and our partners at Trafalgar Releasing to bring fans unprecedented access to his extraordinary life both on and off stage.”
Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, added: "We are proud to be bringing George Michael's final work to the big screen in this global cinema event. As an artist whose music continues to resonate across generations, this event will be a fitting tribute to George's life and career, giving fans the opportunity to celebrate communally in cinemas worldwide."
Contributors include George Michael, Stevie Wonder, Sir Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Tracey Emin, Liam Gallagher, Mary J. Blige, Jean Paul Gaultier, James Corden, Tony Bennett, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Tatjana Patitz.