Entertainment
Review: Michelle Obama, unplugged (kinda) in ‘Becoming’ doc
In the lovely new Netflix documentary “Becoming,” set around Michelle Obama’s book tour for her memoir, the former first lady makes a comment about the massive venues she’s speaking to.
“What I experience in these big arenas is the power of gathering,” she says. “The shared experiences.”
Not everything in film has me reflecting on our current moment, but this moment certainly did.
Part of what makes “Becoming” such an effective representation of her magnetism is showing her on the macro and micro level. You see the effect she has on thousands and thousands of people — clearly a commanding force with stadium-sized crowds — but also her ability to have meaningful one-on-one engagements. We watch one star-struck person after another (men, women and children alike) approach her to get a handshake, a minute or so of her time and a signature in their books. It’s a reminder of the power of a crowd and an up-close moment and the rare public person who can master both. It’s hard not to feel a pang of wistfulness for the time when we could have those shared experiences with an admired figure.
This is not the point of “Becoming,” of course. It is a portrait of a woman who has just survived a life-changing experience (being first lady) and is trying to figure out who she is now and who she is going to be. Michelle Obama might feel a certain relief that she doesn’t have to appear “perfect” all the time — she says as much about leaving the White House after eight years. But even if she is able to let her hair down a little, there is a polish that comes with being a public figure for so long that means that she probably won’t ever be able to truly relax, especially when a camera is around. In other words, “Becoming” doesn’t exactly invite you into her life unfiltered.
But being a controlled look doesn’t make it less honest or impactful, it’s just honest in a different way that doesn’t involve showing her husband and daughters eating breakfast in pajamas. Where “Becoming,” directed by Nadia Hallgren, succeeds is in allowing Michelle to be the star of her own film (and life). There’s not even an interview with Barack Obama, although his presence is felt everywhere, naturally.
The film is set two years after she and her family have left the White House, during the 34-city tour for her memoir. She says she is reflecting for the first time about what just happened to her. It is told partially through behind-the-scenes footage from the tour, her on-stage interviews in front of thousands with the likes of Oprah, Gayle King, Stephen Colbert and Valerie Jarrett, a few interviews with her brother, her head of security and her stylist, as well as some commentary from Michelle Obama herself.
“Becoming” covers a lot of ground for a fairly short film, from her family life growing up on Chicago’s southside (a typical working class community), to her days at Princeton (one of her roommates moved out because her mother didn’t like that she was living with a black person), her first date with Barack (he was late) and the campaign (“they went after me like I was a candidate”). She is particularly candid about her difficult experiences on the campaign trail, where she tried to be honest and vulnerable and found herself the target of some in the media.
“The only thing I can share is that it hurts,” she says. “That changes the shape of a person’s soul.”
Hallgren weaves together a compelling narrative with these public and private interviews that builds chronologically to the present. Michelle Obama reaches some sort of clarity, for now, about who she wants to be — a citizen with an eye towards the youth. It might not be the person she imagined she’d be when she met the future president, but it’s the person she ended up becoming. And it’s a heck of a journey to watch.
“Becoming,” a Netflix release, has not been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America, but don’t worry, it’s an all-ages affair. Three stars out of four.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
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