Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the upcoming release of Louder: The Soundtrack of Change, a Max Original documentary, which will premiere on October 17. The documentary is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Kristi Jacobson, known for her work on HBO’s Solitary and No Accident. This powerful and moving film delves into the revolutionary voices of iconic female musicians whose songs and stories have driven change across decades.
Produced by multi-platinum recording artist, actress, and entrepreneur Selena Gomez and New York Times bestselling author and political activist Stacey Abrams, the documentary celebrates the voices of women in music, exploring the deep cultural and social impact they’ve had over time.
“The documentary champions the brave, bold, and unapologetic actions, both sung and spoken, of some of the most iconic female musicians of all time. The film is an emotional and inspiring journey filled with stunning archival footage, revealing interviews, and personal accounts from a powerful group of fearless female artists – from present-day Rhiannon Giddens summoning deep-rooted emotions on a banjo, to H.E.R. processing her grief through her powerful 2020 ballad “I Can’t Breathe,” to Melissa Etheridge bravely coming out on TV at the peak of early 1990s homophobia, to Mickey Guyton’s present-day struggles as a Black woman in country music. Guided by esteemed journalists, including J Wortham, Puja Patel, and Clover Hope, we are also reminded of the groundbreaking women of 90s hip-hop, highlighting artists like Queen Latifah and Salt-N-Pepa, as well as an interview with Kathleen Hanna whose “Rebel Girl” reflected the rage and anger of the Riot GRRRL movement. Gomez and Abrams passionately credit the legendary musicians Linda Ronstadt and Tracy Chapman for blazing the trails that provided them their motivation for their work,” as per synopsis.
The partnership between Selena Gomez and Stacey Abrams was born out of the 2020 presidential election, when the two united to advocate for voter participation. Now, with Louder: The Soundtrack of Change, their collaboration takes on new life, amplifying the voices of women who have used their platforms to challenge societal norms, spark conversations, and drive action. The film serves as both a celebration of these bold musicians and a call to viewers, especially as the 2024 election looms, to continue engaging with the issues that shape our world.
Be sure to catch Louder: The Soundtrack of Change on Max starting Thursday, October 17, on Max.
Credits: LOUDER: THE SOUNDTRACK OF CHANGE, a MakeMake Production in association with July Moon Productions, Sage Works Productions, and Lighthouse Management + Media, Studio Seven 13, and Won’t Be Silent Productions. Directed by Kristi Jacobson; produced by Selena Gomez, Stacey Abrams, Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, Terry Leonard, Aleen Keshishian, Zack Morgenroth; executive produced by Abe Gurko, David Seidler, Clara Hendon, Missy Birns-Halperin, Igal Svet; co-produced by Piper Gates, Stacy Kessler-Aungst, and Natalie Goldberg.
