Janet Jackson's next project will not be a pop album, but instead a foray into the world of film production. According to a recent interview, the artist is working on a documentary called Truth that will take a look at the transgender community across the world.
In addition to acting as the film's executive producer, Jackson is intending to conduct all of the interviews herself. The film is set to begin shooting this summer.
Speaking with the Guardian [via FACT], Jackson said that her intention is to show that "all of our hearts are the same," adding, "I've been fortunate to make friends and learn about very different lives. Truth is our small chance to ask that you try and understand someone who lives their life in a way that is a little bit different from yours, even though all of our hearts are the same. We want to stop the hate and find understanding."
Robert Jason, the film's director, added his thoughts with the following statement:
Janet Jackson will take us on a visually innovative, cerebral journey through the turbulent lives of transgendered people of all ages around the world and their epic struggle for equality. This film will highlight landmark mainstream stories and provide a glimpse at others that will change the gender landscape of the world forever. Just as it is hard to believe that there ever was a time when different components of society were required to use separate drinking fountains, it is as incredible that one's gender expressions remains such a target for discrimination.
Jackson is no stranger to working with the trans community. In 2001, she worked on the documentary Style Exposed: Born Male Living Female (a clip of which can be streamed below). In addition, she also worked on VH1's transgender makeover show TRANSform Me, which aired in 2010.
In addition to acting as the film's executive producer, Jackson is intending to conduct all of the interviews herself. The film is set to begin shooting this summer.
Speaking with the Guardian [via FACT], Jackson said that her intention is to show that "all of our hearts are the same," adding, "I've been fortunate to make friends and learn about very different lives. Truth is our small chance to ask that you try and understand someone who lives their life in a way that is a little bit different from yours, even though all of our hearts are the same. We want to stop the hate and find understanding."
Robert Jason, the film's director, added his thoughts with the following statement:
Janet Jackson will take us on a visually innovative, cerebral journey through the turbulent lives of transgendered people of all ages around the world and their epic struggle for equality. This film will highlight landmark mainstream stories and provide a glimpse at others that will change the gender landscape of the world forever. Just as it is hard to believe that there ever was a time when different components of society were required to use separate drinking fountains, it is as incredible that one's gender expressions remains such a target for discrimination.
Jackson is no stranger to working with the trans community. In 2001, she worked on the documentary Style Exposed: Born Male Living Female (a clip of which can be streamed below). In addition, she also worked on VH1's transgender makeover show TRANSform Me, which aired in 2010.