Serena, Venus Williams Join Dr. Diahann Carroll as Executive Producers – The Hollywood Reporter

The Williams sisters are returning to producing.

Serena and Venus Williams and their sister Esha Price join documentary Between Starlight and Clay: The Hidden Diaries of Diahann Carroll Alongside Katie Barksdale and Valerie Gamache serve as executive producers. The project is currently in production, co-directed by Susanne Rostock and Carroll’s daughter Suzanne Kay, and produced alongside Color Farm Media’s Erika Alexander and Ben Arnon.

“After my mother passed away in October 2019, I discovered her hidden diaries,” Kay said in a statement. “Our relationship was challenging. I think she wanted me to find it. So, as her only child, it was also a personal journey to understand more deeply who my mother was.”

Over the course of her career, Carol broke the multiple color barriers for black women, becoming the first to star in her own television series (Julia) and the first person to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (No strings). The documentary will follow famous women as they read passages from Carroll’s diaries, as well as never-before-seen home videos, family photos and personal letters between Carroll and her long-time lover Sidney Poitier.

“Diane Carroll paved the way for many, myself included, and I hope her personal perspective on life will continue to inspire audiences and generations to come,” said Willis, who will serve as a producer through her recently launched 926 Productions Serena Williams said in a statement. statement. Venus Williams added in a statement: “What resonates with me is this project’s commitment to illuminating Diahann Carroll’s pioneering legacy through unique storytelling that highlights the parallels between today and the past. . Diahan is a cultural icon whose determination to stay authentic and defy established norms has empowered generations for more than seventy years.”

Color Farm, by Arnon and single life Star Alexander, who has previously produced these documentaries John Lewis: So troublesome and huge rewards and nonfiction podcasts Looking for Tamika.

“Ben and I are thrilled to be working with Suzanne Kay and Suzanne Rostock on this incredible project to tell Diahan’s story,” Alexander said in a statement. “Susan Rostock’s unique vision as a director and editor is unparalleled, and Suzanne is her mother’s daughter—smart, talented, and generous. It’s an honor to have Venus and Serena join the team; Knowing what the challenges are in being No. 1 in history. “It’s a perfect match. “