Alicia Keys is expanding her legacy beyond music and Broadway with her upcoming documentary, Uncharted, which premieres on Paramount+ on Oct. 22.
The film promises to deliver an inspiring and revealing look at the challenges faced by young Black and brown women in the music industry—a space that often limits their access and opportunities.
But what sets Uncharted apart is not just its message; it’s how it was created.
“Everything done in this film was done by women in every capacity,” Keys proudly told Billboard.
The documentary spotlights the work of talented young female songwriters, including rising R&B star Jean Deaux from Chicago, as they navigate the male-dominated music world to make their mark.
Uncharted is a product of Keys’ She Is The Music initiative, which she launched in 2018 to elevate the role of women across all facets of the music industry.
The songwriting camp at the heart of the documentary fosters collaboration and mentorship for these rising stars, giving them a unique opportunity to create and learn in an empowering, women-led environment.
The initiative also seeks to boost female representation in technical roles like sound engineers and lighting directors, aiming to reshape the music industry from the inside out.
Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award winner Beth Aala, Uncharted also features powerhouse executive producers like Grammy-winning engineer Ann Mincieli, Universal Music Publishing Group’s Jody Gerson, and former news anchor Katie Couric. With this all-star production team, the film has already gained buzz, debuting earlier this year at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
This project arrives at a time when Keys is on a winning streak.
From her five No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 to her Tony-winning Hell’s Kitchen musical, Keys has proven time and time again that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
But with Uncharted, the Girl on Fire is shining the spotlight on the next generation of women who are ready to take the industry by storm.
