Beyonce Knowles is ready for her close up. The actress-singer-icon is the focus of a new documentary that will air on HBO in 2013. In a twist, Beyonce will direct the film herself.
“Everybody knows Beyoncé’s music, but few know Beyoncé the person,” said Michael Lombardo, HBO president of programming, in a statement about the film. “Along with electrifying footage of Beyoncé onstage, this unique special looks beyond the glamour to reveal a vibrant, vulnerable, unforgettable woman.”
If this sounds familiar, that’s because the Beyonce documentary was first reported by The Los Angeles Times back in August. At the time, Beyonce and her representatives were reportedly shopping the film to studios around Hollywood; it appears they landed on HBO because of Beyonce’s own taste.
“HBO has a history of pushing every boundary with class and authenticity,” said Beyonce in a statement. “Some of my favorite shows are on HBO, so I am excited that my film will be part of its bold programming. This film was so personal to me, it had to have the right home.”
As the Los Angeles Times noted, the film will mix “concert footage with confessional interview.” According to the press release from HBO, parts of the untitled film were even shot on Beyonce’s laptop. Per the release, Beyonce “reflects on the realities of celebrity, the refuge she finds onstage and the transcendent joy of becoming a mother last year.”
The documentary is set to air on HBO on Feb. 16, 2013.