International Women’s Day is always a time for reflection and celebration and, for MGIM, there’s no better way to honor it than by diving into the stories of the women who shaped music. Watching documentaries about singers has always been a way to connect with their journeys on a deeper level, to see the background of their success and the strength behind the spotlight.
For tomorrow's women's day we want to share some powerful documentaries that capture the essence of these incredible women, their impact and the legacy they continue to build.
Selena Quintanilla - Selena: La Serie
When Selena: La Serie came out on Netflix, I remember watching it for the first time and feeling like I finally understood so much more about who Selena Quintanilla really was. She was an incredible singer, a very kind and creative person: she loved to make her own clothes! She fought to shine in a world where women weren’t always welcome, in a society where being both a woman and a latina meant being a minority. The series shows her story from the very beginning, growing up in a family that believed in her talent and worked hard to make her dreams come true. However, it wasn’t easy: she faced rejection, challenges and constant pressure, including finding a boyfriend her family didn't approve at first. But she never let anything stop her. Her energy and determination were unique. She had this light about her, this ability to bring people together through music and pure joy. This makes what happened to her even more devastating: Yolanda Saldívar, the president of her fan club, betrayed her in the worst way possible by killing her when se was only 23. She didn't want to be Selena's friend, she wanted to be her. However, even though her life was cut short, her impact never faded. Her music, her style and her legacy are still alive and loved worldwide. Selena will always be remembered for who she was.
Raffaella Carrà - Raffa
When Raffa premiered on Disney +, I watched it with the excitement of discovering more about the woman who shaped Italian television and music like no other. Raffaella Carrà was a force of nature, an electrifying performer, a charismatic host and a bold innovator. She revolutionized entertainment and broke taboos with her infamous energy, style and unapologetic attitude. From her early days in cinema to conquering music and television, she defied conventions and revolutionized entertainment in Italy. However, she wasn't just an icon here: Spain and Latin America adored her as well, so she became an international symbol of freedom and self-expression. This was something uncommon: we know how hard it is to get recognized internationally if you don't come from an English-speaking country and, when Raffaella was young, it was even harder. With amazing hits like Tuca Tuca and Fiesta, she united everyone and spreaded joy and empowerment. She proved that entertainment could be both fun and revolutionary. Her impact went beyond music, she inspired generations to be fearless and authentic. Even when faced with criticism, she never backed down, she remained true to her vision. Her legacy lives on in her art but also in the confidence and liberation she instilled in so many women.
Lady Gaga - Five Foot Two
Five Foot Two gives the audience a peek into the life of super star Lady Gaga. The documentary follows Gaga through the process of creating and releasing her fifth studio album, Joanne, slowly building to the grand finale with her performance at the Super-Bowl half-time show. As emotions heighten within the middle act Gaga explains during her worldwide press tour that Joanne is a tribute to her fathers sister, who died of lupus before she was born. Moments of vulnerability such as this one happen throughout the documentary, revealing Gaga’s creative process and the many hang ups that come with stardom. Gaga takes the viewer backstage and shows us the grueling process the singer goes through on the daily to deliver shows to her fans worldwide, blighted by injuries, badgered by press and met with at every turn. For the most part, the true moments of vulnerability that really make the viewer connect with Gaga are in her personal life, the singer is bearing the aftermath of a break up with fiancé Taylor Kinney. Some truly compelling moments show Gaga being hounded by her vast team, holding cold spoons to her eyes in a last-ditch attempt to reduce swelling before going on stage. Nonetheless, Lady Gaga is not weakened by her moments of tenderness, but instead proves her ability to be nothing but a professional first. The viewer is left in awe of the massive personal and professional demands the singer juggles in her daily life, leaving us with all the more respect for her ability to be in full command of her image and a master of her craft always.
Demi Lovato - Simply Complicated
Demi Lovato, in the 2018 documentary Simply Complicated, presents herself as an extremely fragile and complex person, marked by a troubled childhood and difficult personal experiences. From a young age, she lived in an unstable family environment, with a drug-addicted and alcoholic father afflicted by manipulative and violent behavior. This context profoundly influenced her emotional development, leading her to experience depression from an early age. Her musical talent emerged early through beauty pageants and acting in Barney and Friends, which introduced her to the entertainment world. At just 15, she achieved success with Camp Rock for Disney Channel, but behind the facade of a brilliant career, there was deep suffering. The immense pressure to conform to expectations and maintain a "role model" image led her to live a double life: a public one as an impeccable star, and a private one marked by addictions and inner struggles. At 17, she started using cocaine, an addiction that worsened over time, fueled by episodes of anger, depression, and self-destructive behavior. Despite a rehab stay and a bipolar disorder diagnosis, she continued to hide her addictions. However, at 19, she embarked on a sobriety journey, becoming a judge on X Factor and striving to build a healthier life. Her relationship with Wilmer Valderrama was a crucial point in her romantic life, but their breakup left her vulnerable, highlighting her difficulty in being alone. Issues with eating disorders and social anxiety, rooted in childhood and bullying experiences, remained constant in her personal battles. Despite everything, Demi demonstrates extraordinary resilience. Her ability to confront deep traumas and constantly seek her inner truth is a testament to her strength, made even more significant by the demanding and often ruthless music industry.
After the documentary Simply Complicated, Demi Lovato's life continued to be marked by highs and lows. In 2018, she suffered a severe overdose that endangered her life, representing another turning point in her recovery journey. This episode highlighted the complexity of her struggle with addiction, showing how difficult it is to maintain sobriety even after years of apparent stability. However, in the following years, Demi showed remarkable personal growth. She publicly faced her challenges, openly discussing her relapses and healing process. This journey of self-acceptance led her to redefine her identity both as an artist and as a person. Today, Demi seems to have found a healthier balance, embracing her vulnerability as a strength and continuing to inspire many with her honesty and courage. Her story is a powerful example of how recovery is not linear but a path filled with falls and rises.
Britney Spears - Britney vs Spears
On April 4, 2019, Britney Spears posted a photo on Instagram with a caption that ended with “:)”. This, which might seem like nothing out of the ordinary, set off an alarm among fans of the Princess of Pop. Britney always used emojis in her posts: if she was using a colon and a parenthesis instead, it meant she wasn’t the one writing. But then, who was? And where was Britney? That day, the #FreeBritney movement was born—a movement that combined the power of fandom with the fight for human rights. From the very start, the movement was treated as a conspiracy theory by the general public. However, some journalists took an interest in the case and got to work. One of them was Erin Lee Carr, the director of the documentary Britney vs Spears, who revealed that she had been closely following the singer’s story since 2018. Initially, the documentary aimed to show how the media treated Britney, but after the release of Framing Britney Spears by Samantha Stark, they decided to change the focus, as the premises were too similar. Thus, Britney vs Spears presents a chronology of the conservatorship the singer was under, focusing on the legal aspects and showcasing previously unseen documents. These documents reveal, for example, Britney’s attempts to hire her own lawyer, the monthly salary her father received as her conservator, and her obligation to work under pressure. The main issue with the documentary, as with all those released in this context, is the lack of Britney’s participation in it. However, we know this was practically impossible due to how controlled her communication was, so it still serves as a good introduction to the case.
Beyoncé - Homecoming
In April 2018, Beyoncé headlined Coachella Festival, becoming the first Black woman to do so. This made her two performances (on the 14th and 21st of that month) an event in themselves, which was dubbed “Beychella.” The documentary Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé showcases both the preparation in the previous months and the two performances themselves. The entire show was created in honor of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), hence the documentary’s name: a “homecoming” is an annual tradition at universities in the United States where former students are welcomed back with football games and banquets. This is why most of the concert takes place on bleachers, with Beyoncé accompanied by both a band and a troupe of majorettes. The documentary, directed by Beyoncé herself, explains the historical context behind HBCUs and artistic expressions like step dance, as well as showing the eight months of rehearsals and planning needed to prepare the entire show. Homecoming also delves into the singer’s struggles with self-discipline and how she manages to balance motherhood with her career, including her complicated twin pregnancy, which led to an emergency C-section and her weight reaching 98 kilos. Visually, it blends this backstory (shown in black and white) with the colorful footage of the actual performance. Homecoming is enjoyable to watch even if you’re not a Beyoncé fan. If you’re interested in history, it helps you discover the profound importance of HBCUs in the United States. And if you’re into music, it reveals the entire process, from conceptualizing ideas to rehearsals and finally bringing them to the stage.
Mia Martini - Io sono Mia
The 2019 documentary Io sono Mia provides an in-depth look into the life of the famous Italian singer Mia Martini, exploring the ups and downs of her career. Directed by Riccardo Donna, the film tells the story of how Martini began her career in the 1970s, as well as her unique artistry, which made her one of the most celebrated singers in Italian history. The documentary also delves into the controversies that shaped Mia’s career, including rumors and accusations of bringing bad luck, which led her to self-imposed exile from the public eye.
With an in medias res opening, viewers are immediately transported to the end of her time away from the spotlight. The rest of the film alternates between past and present, showing the choices and events that led her to participate in the 39th edition of the Sanremo Festival with what would become her most famous song: Almeno tu nell’universo. The project highlights how difficult this comeback was, precisely because of what people thought of her. Io sono Mia is the portrait of a complex artist, an important and profound film that sheds light on the challenges women face in the music industry to achieve success and be taken seriously. It helps viewers understand not only how false accusations can ruin a person, but also the power that music has to bring us all together.
Dolly Parton - Heartstrings
Dolly Parton’s series, Heartstrings, released on Netflix, brings to life the stories behind some of her most iconic and beloved songs. Each episode is a self-contained drama, drawing inspiration from a specific track. The show features so many Hollywood stars, including Julianne Hough, Kathleen Turner and Ginnifer Goodwin, amongst many others. The stories vary widely in tone and genre, ranging from romances, like These Old Bones and family dramas, the infamous Jolene, to stories of self-discovery and redemption, like in Two Doors Down. Parton herself takes part in every story, for example by performing the song from which the episode is inspired. Dolly is not the only performer in the series, for instance in the first episode Jolene is an aspiring country singer. However, Heartstrings isn't without its weaknesses. Some episodes lean heavily on melodrama, while others can feel a bit too sentimental, also having so many different stories with no connection other than Dolly can make the viewers lose interest. Heartstrings is a nostalgic experience. The series' success relies heavily on the emotional resonance of Parton's music and it’s a reminder of her impact as a storyteller. "Heartstrings" delivers what it promises: a celebration of love, family, and the power of Dolly Parton's songs. It is an easy, enjoyable watch, particularly for fans of the country icon, offering both entertainment and a deeper appreciation for the stories behind her iconic music.
Amy Winehouse - Amy
The documentary Amy by Amy Winehouse (2015) tells the entire story of Amy, from the beginning of her career to the tragic day of her death. Step by step, this documentary takes you through all the phases of Amy. The first traits of the artist that stand out are her strength, courage, and her somewhat misunderstood sensitivity. Amy had fire inside her, something truly different at the time, with her soul style and that mature voice that reached straight to the hearts of everyone, perhaps because she sang about the deepest suffering, expressing what many couldn’t put into words. Many felt embraced by her songs, tracks like Back to Black or Rehab left an indelible mark on those who listened to them and on the music scene of that time. Amy was a suffering person, especially with bulimia and alcoholism, the latter being a harmful escape, she was truly a fragile soul adrift. Despite family support, no one was ever able to truly heal her; they almost left her abandoned to herself. Her failed marriage led her to another psychological downfall amidst alcohol and drugs. The media never gave her peace, further hurting Amy with their articles of criticism and almost hatred. Yet, amidst a carousel of small joys and suffering, she managed to achieve great successes, such as winning 5 Grammy Awards and a duet with her idol Tony Bennett. But despite this, she would return to her old habits, going from one detox to another, it was difficult for her to let go of that side of herself. This continued until the day she was found dead in her apartment, as her heart couldn’t handle yet another drunken binge. Amy left behind a deep trail of pain that, even years later, is still felt. Who knows, if it were a different time, like today, we might have been able to hear her new singles.
Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It
What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) is a biographical film inspired by the life of the legendary singer Tina Turner. The film tells the extraordinary and painful rise of her journey in the music world. The start of her career was a double-edged sword due to the difficulties and abuse she suffered during her marriage to Ike Turner. Anna Mae Bullock (Tina's real name), after being discovered by Ike Turner, became the lead voice of his band, releasing successful singles like Proud Mary and River Deep – Mountain High. At the beginning of their relationship, everything seemed rosy, but as success and the pressure of concerts increased, Ike would vent his anger on Tina. Their marriage was marked by physical and psychological violence. After years of abuse, Tina found the strength to escape, starting a difficult but triumphant solo career. Her path to emancipation and her struggle to establish herself as an independent artist, along with the success she achieved with hits like What's Love Got to Do with It, led her to become free, herself, and finally to reap the benefits of her talent, giving birth to singles like We Don't Need Another Hero and The Best. With her divorce from Ike, Tina had given up everything except her name Tina Turner, which was the only positive thing that came from that hellish marriage because by then, her musical identity was tied to that name. The film celebrates her resilience and highlights the courage required to break free from a toxic relationship and build a new life without looking back, showing us how Tina turned her pain into success.
Madonna - Madame X
Madonna has always been an artist who loves to change and explore new things, and Madame X (both the album and the documentary) shows how she continues to evolve. The documentary was filmed in Lisbon, Portugal. It was independently broadcast on MTV and is available on the Paramount+ platform. It was not about seeking fame or money but rather about music, creative challenges, and storytelling. The idea of Madame X was born from Madonna's love for international music, particularly the sounds of Spain, Cape Verde, Brazil, and North Africa. One of her biggest influences was Cesária Évora, the renowned Cape Verdean singer. Thanks to Évora, Madonna discovered the Batukadeiras, a group of female percussionists who represent women's empowerment and cultural heritage. The name Madame X represents Madonna’s many roles. In the documentary, she describes herself as a secret agent, a dancer, a teacher, a governess, a prisoner, a student, a mother, a mentor, a singer, a saint, a rebel, and a spy. Each of these roles showcases different aspects of her life and artistry, allowing her to connect with music in an extraordinary, innovative, and enriching way. She collaborated with various artists, including Maluma, Quavo, Swae Lee, and Anitta, whom she greatly admires. Each song has a unique touch, blending different styles while maintaining the signature motifs and melodies of the great Madonna. This makes Madame X one of the most personal projects of her career. A key theme in Madame X is transformation—overcoming difficult moments to reach a better future. Madonna went through a challenging period, including a serious injury that led her to reflect on her own limits and rediscover herself. However, music and the exploration of new styles and genres allowed her to create a masterpiece.
Nina Simone - What Happened, Miss Simone?
Nina Simone was a talented pianist with the dream of becoming the first Black concert pianist. However, racial barriers led her to jazz, blues, and soul, where she became an unforgettable performer with a distinctive voice and a unique ability to blend musical styles. What Happened, Miss Simone? tells the story of her life and musical journey. For her, music was more than just entertainment; it was a platform for social change. During the Civil Rights Movement, she raised her voice against racial injustice with songs like Mississippi Goddam and To Be Young, Gifted and Black. Her direct activism came at a high price: she was blacklisted, faced retaliation in the music industry, and struggled financially. Despite her powerful stage presence, Nina dealt with numerous personal issues. The documentary reveals her abusive marriage to Andrew Stroud, who was both her manager and her aggressor. She also suffered from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder that affected her behavior and emotional state. These struggles, combined with career difficulties, led her to years of isolation in Africa and Europe. Despite the challenges, Nina Simone's impact on music remains immense. In her later years, she returned to the stage and reaffirmed her status as a legend. Today, many artists consider her an inspiration, and her songs continue to move generations. What Happened, Miss Simone? celebrates her talent and raises important questions about the sacrifices artists make and the challenges of being ahead of their time.
Blackpink - Light Up the Sky
The documentary Blackpink: Light Up the Sky offers an intimate look into the story of the famous K-pop group, revealing the journey that led Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé to conquer the global music scene. Debuting with Whistle in 2016, their success was immediate. Their diverse backgrounds make them a symbol of inclusivity, with fans identifying with their authenticity and gratitude. The Ddu-Du Ddu-Du music video broke viewing records, while their collaboration with Lady Gaga on Sour Candy strengthened their international presence.
However, the documentary mainly highlights the more human side of Blackpink. Despite their consistently perfect public image, the girls show authenticity and vulnerability. What stands out is the contrast between their impeccable appearance—flawless makeup, eye-catching accessories, and expensive outfits—and the reality of young women who, behind this facade, experience the same insecurities as any ordinary twenty-year-old. This makes them even more fascinating, as they are driven by a constant curiosity to explore the world and grow as individuals. They share the exhaustion of grueling tours, where constant travel and changing locations can be physically and mentally draining. After concerts, they often feel empty and homesick, a feeling that lingers even during their most successful moments.
Lisa, while being an inspiration to many Thai girls, expresses personal insecurities, revealing a sweet and fragile side. The other members are no different: Rosé speaks about the challenge of balancing personal and public life, while Jennie and Jisoo reveal the constant pressure to maintain high standards. Despite everything, their gratitude for the opportunities they've had and their determination to continue making music together shine through.
Blackpink: Light Up the Sky is an honest tale of four young women who, behind the spotlight, face daily challenges with courage, staying true to themselves and their roots.
Sinead O'Connor - Fearless
Fearless takes the viewer on a journey through the life of one of the most loved singers of the 80’s, Sinead O’Connor. The documentary is annotated by Sinead, talking in clips from interviews about her experiences in the music industry, grappling with personal struggles, finding her identity and eventually leaving the industry all together. Born and raised in the suburbs of South Dublin, the singer does not shy away when discussing her abusive upbringing, her calm and matter of fact demeanour almost suggest she has come to a certain peace about the horrors of childhood. In a truly shocking clip shown in the documentary O’Connor says she is grateful that her mother died when she was 18, freeing her from their abusive relationship, but at the same time still misses her greatly, showing the complicated torment brought on in abusive relationships. In the star’s music career the documentary takes us through O’Connor’s biggest highlights such as the success of her album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got and single Nothing Compares 2 U. Interviews shown throughout the documentary show the star’s unique relationship with massive stardom as she promoted these hits throughout her career. Sinead’s unrelenting activism massively defined these periods as she spoke openly about her disdain for the Catholic church and the struggles of being a woman in the music industry. The documentary ends with a tearful funeral scene, teary eyed family, friends, band mates and fans swarm the small town to recount the singer's massive impact.
Happy women's day!