HBO snaps up new documentary about Barack Obama

HBO announced this afternoon that it has acquired a still-untitled documentary about President-elect Barack Obama that will air on the premium cable channel next year.

The film, produced by Edward Norton and his production company Class 5 Films, was shot over the last 2 1/2 years with the cooperation of Obama and his campaign. Documentary filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams, who served as co-directors of the project, had access to Obama’s staff, family and friends. Filming is continuing through the inauguration.

“We believe this film will capture a tipping point in American history when a new generation of leadership emerged and old prejudices were finally vaulted over,” Norton said in a statement. “We’re thrilled that this film will be presented by HBO, which has long been one of the notable champions of the documentary film but, more importantly, offers us by far the best chance to share this film with the widest audience.”

The documentary is being edited by Samuel D. Pollard, the award-winning editor of HBO’s "When the Levees Broke" and "4 Little Girls.” 

— Matea Gold