Magnolia Pictures has made an exclusive acquisition of U.S. distribution rights to the highly anticipated documentary, ‘Invisible Beauty,’ which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film centers around the remarkable career of Bethann Hardison, an influential African American model and fashion icon. Directed by Hardison herself and Frédéric Tcheng, known for his work on ‘Halston’ and ‘Dior and I,’ the documentary is set to hit theaters on September 15.
Produced by Lisa Cortés and executive produced by supermodel Naomi Campbell, ‘Invisible Beauty’ offers a captivating exploration of Hardison’s groundbreaking impact on the fashion industry. From her trailblazing appearances on the runway in the 1970s to her involvement in critical discussions about racial diversity in the early 2000s, the film delves into the transformation of the fashion world through intimate interviews with influential figures such as Iman, Tyson Beckford, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Fran Lebowitz, Pat Cleveland, Naomi Campbell, and Stephen Burrows.
Describing the documentary as a “gorgeous, evocative memoir,” Magnolia Pictures co-CEO Dori Begley praised Hardison and Tcheng for creating a cinematic blueprint that celebrates maverick spirits and serves as a catalyst for change. For Hardison, the project allowed her to reflect on her cultural contributions and recognize the significance of her story.
After its Sundance premiere, ‘Invisible Beauty’ continued to captivate audiences at prominent film festivals, including Hot Docs, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and DocLands. The film garnered acclaim, winning Best Documentary Feature and the Audience Award at the Sarasota Film Festival.
The acquisition deal was negotiated by Magnolia Pictures executives Dori Begley and John Von Thaden, alongside Josh Braun from Submarine and Jason Ishikawa from Cinetic, who represented the filmmakers. With Magnolia’s support, ‘Invisible Beauty’ is poised to reach a wide audience, celebrating the legacy of a true trailblazer in the fashion industry.
Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
