Higher Ground Productions facts for kids
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| Founded | 2018 |
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Higher Ground Productions, often called just Higher Ground, is an American production company started in 2018. It was founded by Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, and Michelle Obama, the former First Lady. A production company helps create and produce movies, TV shows, and other entertainment.
Company History
In 2018, Barack and Michelle Obama started Higher Ground to create movies and TV shows for Netflix. Their goal was to share stories from people of many different backgrounds and experiences.
Michelle Obama said, "I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others."
In 2019, the company partnered with Spotify to create podcasts. Their first one was The Michelle Obama Podcast, which came out in 2020. In June 2022, Higher Ground moved its podcast deal from Spotify to Audible, an Amazon company that sells audiobooks and podcasts.
In March 2025, the company announced a new podcast called “IMO” hosted by Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson.
Famous Productions
Higher Ground has produced many award-winning movies, documentaries, and TV shows. The company's very first film was the documentary American Factory (2019), which won an Academy Award.
Movies
| Title | Release Year | What It's About |
|---|---|---|
| Fatherhood | 2021 | A movie about a new dad raising his daughter on his own after his wife's death. |
| Worth | 2021 | A drama about the lawyer in charge of giving money to the families of victims of the September 11th attacks. |
| Rustin | 2023 | This film tells the story of Bayard Rustin, the man who helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. The lead actor was nominated for an Academy Award. |
| Leave the World Behind | 2023 | A thriller about two families who are forced to stay together during a mysterious blackout. |
Documentaries
A documentary is a non-fiction movie about real events and people.
| Title | Release Year | What It's About |
|---|---|---|
| American Factory | 2019 | This film looks at what happens when a Chinese company takes over an old General Motors factory in Ohio. It won an Academy Award. |
| Crip Camp | 2020 | Tells the story of a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities that helped start a major movement for disability rights. |
| Becoming | 2020 | Follows Michelle Obama on her tour for her bestselling book, Becoming. |
| Descendant | 2022 | This documentary follows the descendants of the last known slave ship to illegally bring captive Africans to the United States. |
| American Symphony | 2023 | Follows the musician Jon Batiste as he composes a symphony while his wife, author Suleika Jaouad, undergoes cancer treatment. |
Television Shows
| Title | Release Year | What It's About |
|---|---|---|
| Waffles + Mochi | 2021 | A fun show for kids about two puppet friends who travel the world to learn about food and healthy eating. |
| We the People | 2021 | A series of short, animated music videos that teach kids about the U.S. government and citizenship. |
| Ada Twist, Scientist | 2021 | An animated kids' show about a young girl who uses science to solve everyday problems. |
| Our Great National Parks | 2022 | A nature documentary series narrated by Barack Obama that explores beautiful national parks around the world. |
| Working: What We Do All Day | 2023 | Barack Obama hosts this series, which looks at the daily lives of different American workers. |
| Bodkin | 2024 | A dark comedy thriller about a group of podcasters who investigate a mysterious disappearance in a small Irish town. |
Podcasts
| Title | Release Year | Host(s) |
|---|---|---|
| The Michelle Obama Podcast | 2020 | Michelle Obama |
| Renegades: Born in the USA | 2021 | Barack Obama and musician Bruce Springsteen |
| The Big Hit Show | 2022 | Alex Pappademas |
| The Wonder of Stevie | 2024 | Various guests celebrating Stevie Wonder |
