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Nikki Giovanni is not a typical subject, and so it makes sense that a film about her wouldn’t be typical either. Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson’s Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project is officially on the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary Feature (read our review), and the process of making this film was expectedly interesting given the eccentric and unique nature of the accomplished poet and activist it seeks to explore.

I had the chance to speak with Brewster and Stephenson about how they worked with Giovanni, respecting her boundaries and disagreeing about certain principles of hers along the way, and what they learned in the process. They also talked about another film they directed that they’ve been Oscar-shortlisted for this year, the documentary short Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games.

You can watch the video above, and read below for an official summary and where to watch.

Film summary:

GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT travels through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of Nikki Giovanni, one of America’s greatest living artists and social commentators. Giovanni reckons with the inevitable passing of time in intimate vérité and revealing archival footage. The film is a collision of memories, moments in American history, live readings, and visually innovative treatments of her poetry.

Check out more of Abe Friedtanzer’s articles.

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project is streaming on Max and Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games is streaming on ESPN+.