Stevie Wonder Documentary Chronicling His Role In Fight For Martin Luther King Jr. Day In Works From Time Studios & Eyes ‘N’ Sound
Written by admin on July 2, 2025
Time Studios and Stevie Wonder‘s Eyes ‘n’ Sound are partnering to produce a feature doc chronicling the cultural, political, and musical journey to make Martin Luther King Jr.‘s birthday a federal holiday.
Set to be directed by Traci Curry (Attica), the Oscar nominee who most recently helmed Nat Geo’s docuseries Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, the currently untitled film explores musical icon Wonder’s personal connection to the efforts to get a national law recognizing the birthday of Dr. King, highlighting the inspiration that fueled a years-long campaign culminating in President Ronald Reagan signing the bill that established Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday in 1983. Central to the film is the story behind the song “Happy Birthday,” released on Wonder’s 1980 album Hotter Than July. While now a staple at global celebrations, few realize its original purpose: to drive national momentum behind honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a federal holiday.
A production of Eyes ‘n’ Sound LLC and Time Studios, the film will feature never-before-seen archival footage, as well as Wonder himself on screen, offering personal insights into this pivotal chapter of American history. Wonder will produce on behalf of Eyes ‘n’ Sound LLC in conjunction with Theresa Cropper.
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Said Wonder, “I’m excited to tell the story of the making of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. More importantly, I want us to learn and remember this story with today’s eye and understanding. If we truly understood how this bill came to be, then we will really appreciate the power of the people.”
Added Lynne Benioff, Co-owner and Co-Chair of Time, who’s an EP on the project, “We are honored to help bring this important chapter of history to light and to work with Stevie Wonder in telling the story of how his artistry and activism helped shape a national movement. We believe this film will spark meaningful conversations about the profound impact one person’s voice and vision can have on our culture and world.”
Wonder and Time Studios are both represented by CAA. Curry is repped by WME.
