Introducing the captivating HBO Original documentary film “DONYALE LUNA: SUPERMODEL,” skillfully directed by the talented Nailah Jefferson of HBO’s acclaimed series “Plaquemines.”
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary life and illustrious career of Donyale Luna, a trailblazing figure who shattered barriers in the fashion industry. This remarkable documentary sheds light on Luna’s groundbreaking achievements as the first Black model to grace the covers of both Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue in 1965 and 1966 respectively.
Despite her momentous impact on culture in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Luna’s profound contributions have remained largely unrecognized, making this film a compelling exploration of her awe-inspiring body of work.
After establishing herself in New York alongside renowned photographer Richard Avedon and collaborating with the iconic Andy Warhol, Luna sought solace in London during the 1960s, where she found a sense of belonging and worked alongside Salvador Dali.
Italy became the backdrop for Luna’s personal and professional growth, where she met and married photographer Luigi Cazzaniga. It was there that she truly explored her passion for avant-garde theater and film, before her tragic passing at the tender age of 33.
Within the film, Luna’s daughter, Dream Cazzaniga, shares intimate excerpts from her mother’s journals, painting a poetic portrait of one of the first Black models who revolutionized the beauty standards of her time. Luna’s indomitable spirit not only broke down the doors of the predominantly white modeling world but also served as an enduring inspiration for generations to come.
Presented by HBO Documentaries, “DONYALE LUNA: SUPERMODEL” is a captivating production by Lightbox in association with Jeff Friday Media and The American Black Film Festival.
Directed by the talented Nailah Jefferson and produced by the skilled team of Melissa Kramer, Isoul H. Harris, and Melanie Sharee, the film is executive produced by Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn, Jeff Friday, and Dream Cazzaniga. At the helm of HBO, executive producers Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller, along with supervising producer Anna Klein, ensure this documentary will transport audiences into the mesmerizing world of Donyale Luna.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of Luna’s extraordinary impact on the fashion and art world of the 1960s, the film features interviews with Luna’s daughter, Dream Cazzaniga, her husband, Luigi Cazzaniga, iconic supermodels Beverly Johnson and Pat Cleveland, esteemed Vogue global editor-at-large Hamish Bowles, celebrated photographers David Bailey, David McCabe, and Gideon Lewin, visionary fashion designers Zandra Rhodes and Aurora James, distinguished art history professor Dr. Richard J. Powell, former Essence editor-in-chief Constance White, former president of Next Model MGMT Kyle Hagler, and close friends and family members.
As “DONYALE LUNA: SUPERMODEL” airs on HBO and streams on Max, prepare to be captivated, inspired, and moved by the extraordinary story of Donyale Luna. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a true icon’s journey and the incredible legacy she left behind.
Prepare to be enthralled as this captivating film premieres on Wednesday, September 13th, from 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, and will also be available for streaming on Max.
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