Sky Documentaries has announced a new project that explores Madonna’s journey to becoming one of the world’s most influential pop stars. Titled Becoming Madonna, the documentary promises an immersive, archive-driven experience chronicling the artist’s rise from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.

Central to the film are newly unearthed audio recordings of a young Madonna reflecting on her early career and personal life. Supplementing these recordings are interviews with family, friends and collaborators, including some who have never spoken publicly about their experiences with the pop legend.

The documentary examines Madonna’s transition from a 19-year-old newcomer to a global sensation, capturing her audacious challenges to societal norms during a transformative period for gender and sexuality. “Through her fiery conflicts with the conservative establishment in the ’80s and ’90s, the film powerfully evokes a time where traditional views on sexuality and gender roles were being audaciously challenged and Madonna was always at the vanguard,” a synopsis from the production team states.

The narrative also delves into pivotal moments in Madonna’s life, including the loss of her mother, the mentorship of her dance teacher Christopher Flynn and the impact of the AIDS epidemic, which claimed the lives of her close friend Martin Burgoyne and others in her circle.

“Since her debut in the 80s, Madonna has been a powerhouse in pop music and carved the way for many of today’s most popular artists,” said Hayley Reynolds, acting director of Documentaries and Factual at Sky. “This film brings a fresh perspective on an enduring icon, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside Optomen to bring her story to Sky audiences.”

Directed by Michael Ogden and produced by Optomen in association with All3Media International, Becoming Madonna is slated for release on Sky Documentaries and NOW. While an exact premiere date has not been announced, international sales are being managed by All3Media.

For fans and newcomers alike, the documentary aims to offer an unprecedented look at the moments that defined Madonna’s groundbreaking career.