HBO will air a documentary on the life and career of Donyale Luna, the first Black model to grace the covers of both Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue.
The documentary, titled “Donyale Luna: Supermodel,” will premiere on September 13th and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
The documentary chronicles Luna’s remarkable journey from her humble beginnings in Detroit, Michigan, to her rise to international fame as a supermodel. It explores her struggles with racism and sexism in the fashion industry, as well as her personal demons, including drug addiction and mental illness.
Born Peggy Ann Freeman, Luna’s story begins in Detroit, Michigan. The film chronicles her beginnings and explores the story of “someone who refused to be boxed in by the conventions of the time, and who had great wounds from her difficult childhood and the racism she encountered in her profession.”
The documentary features interviews with Luna’s daughter, Dream Cazzaniga, her husband, Luigi Cazzaniga, supermodels Beverly Johnson and Pat Cleveland, Vogue global editor-at-large Hamish Bowles, and photographers David Bailey, David McCabe, and Gideon Lewin.
“Donyale Luna: Supermodel”, directed by Nailah Jefferson and produced by Melissa Kramer, Isoul H. Harris, and Melanie Sharee, is a timely and important film that tells the story of a pioneering figure who broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black models. It is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion, history, and culture.
The documentary is executive produced by Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn, Jeff Friday and Dream Cazzaniga.
