Produced by the New York Times, Framing Britney Spears is a jarring documentary that follows the popstar’s turbulent journey through fame.
A combination of investigative reporting and biographical filmmaking, Framing Britney Spears focuses not only on Britney Spears’ personal history but also evaluates her controversial conservatorship: a court ruling that leaves her with zero control over her assets or fortune.
Directed by Samantha Stark, the doco raises questions around the sexist subtext of said conservatorship and how such extreme action would never be taken against a male pop star under the same circumstances.
Given public affinity and nostalgia for the singer, Framing Britney Spears has seen a huge response on social media. In particular, the film has re-ignited resounding support for the #FreeBritney movement.
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The #FreeBritney campaign was spearheaded on social media by the singer’s dedicated fanbase, who claim that Jamie Spears, Britney’s father who has been in control of her finances since 2008, is allegedly controlling her against her will.
Celebrities and fans alike have responded on social media after the release of the documentary with their support for the campaign.
🌞 Good morning!🌞 have a great day! And: #FreeBritney
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) February 8, 2021
@khloekardashian has just given her support to the #FreeBritney movement. We love you and thanks 🙏❤ @britneyspears pic.twitter.com/YmjFnZZYEW
— Jean Silveiro (@jeansilveir0) February 8, 2021
— Sarah Jessica Parker (@SJP) February 7, 2021
Even Miley Cyrus used her half-time performance at the Super Bowl to announce her support for the popstar:
“We love Britney” Miley during Party In The USA #FreeBritney #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/Wsh6rJFsOy
— Miley Nation (@MileyNation13) February 7, 2021
Framing Britney Spears includes interviews with those who were formerly in the singer’s inner circle, the lawyers who once worked on Spears’ conservatorship, the mass of fans behind the #FreeBritney movement, and even the infamous paparazzi photographer whose car Spears attacked with an umbrella in 2007.
Britney Spears has not publicly commented on the release of the film – the New York Times do mention that they attempted to reach out to her during production to no avail – and does not appear in the documentary. However, her team hasn’t denied any of doco’s claims, either.
Check out the documentary here.
