Production is underway on the feature, which takes its title from Bean’s 1977 Motown Records gay disco anthem that celebrated LGBTQ identity and later became the inspiration for Lady Gaga’s hit “Born This Way.” Junge, who won an Oscar for the 2012 documentary short), are working with Bean’s estate to make their film.
The documentary will include “exclusive, in-depth interviews” with Bean filmed before his death in September 2021 at age 77, and will also incorporate “never before seen archival footage and rotoscope animated recreations,” according to a release from the filmmakers.
“Archbishop Bean was an exuberant, big-hearted, larger-than-life hero, and his life was filled with improbable twists and turns,” Junge said, “but ultimately the film is about the power of love over hatred.”Pollard added, “It’s so sad that Archbishop Bean passed away during the making of this film, but we were fortunate to have extensive interviews with him, and his voice will carry the film.
The documentary will include interviews with prominent figures who became close with Bean, including Rep. Maxine Waters, NMAC leader Paul Kawata, and songwriter, producer and music exec Iris Gordy.“As a gay Black man, I’m so moved by the Archbishop’s incredible life,” Love said.
is executive produced by Josh Green, Barbara Bridges, Kristen Wolf and Andrew Tobias, and co-executive produced by Owsley Brown, David Beatty, Rob Frier and John Caulkins.