- Film And TV
- 17 Mar 21
Helmed by BAFTA-winning journalist Mobeen Azhar, 'Britney' will follow the singer’s recent court appearances regarding her conservatorship.
The BBC has announced plans for the release of an upcoming documentary on Britney Spears and her conservatorship.
Azhar traveled from Spears’ hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana to Los Angeles for the feature, interviewing Britney's most devoted fans as well as people close to the singer.
The documentary will air on BBC Two in the UK with potential plans to sell it overseas, but no premiere date has yet been announced.
“I went to LA in search of the truth of how Britney Spears, one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, ended up in a conservatorship,” the filmmaker said in a statement.
“I found myself in a world of lawyers, superfans and paparazzi and spent time with many of the people who’ve had a front row seat in Britney’s life. This film taps into the energy of the #FreeBritney movement and questions the industry, fandom and the laws that facilitate conservatorships.”
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The documentary comes after FX/Hulu’s recent film Framing Britney Spears aired earlier this year, and placed a heavy spotlight on the pop sensation's father, Jamie Spears.
Part of The New York Times Presents series, the film focused on the controversy over Spears’ conservatorship, which is controlled by her father, and whether she was being emotionally and financially manipulated. The documentary has led to a renewed conversation around the fan-led #FreeBritney movement, with many advocating for the pop star’s freedom.
The disturbing misogyny which Britney was forced to deal with as a hyper-sexualised teenager, following her break-up from Justin Timberlake and once she became a criticised mother was also explored.
The world is watching," said Spears' lawyer Samuel Ingham III said in a court filing last September.
The star is "vehemently opposed to this effort by her father to keep her legal struggle hidden away in the closet as a family secret", her lawyer commented in the court documents.
Spears' teams also appeared to endorse the #FreeBritney movement, which argues the star is being held against her will by people who stand to gain financially from her situation.
"At this point in her life when she is trying to regain some measure of personal autonomy, Britney welcomes and appreciates the informed support of her many fans," wrote Ingham.
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The court is expected to hold additional hearings on Britney Spears' conservatorship battle today, March 17, and April 27.
A judge recently overruled Jamie Spears’ objections to an order establishing private wealth management firm Bessemer Trust Co. as a co-conservator of Britney Spears’ estate.