Fuse Media Announce Next Three Documentaries as a Part of Its FUSE DOCS Series

Fuse Media, a cross-platform entertainment media brand for multicultural youth, has announced the next three documentaries to make their U.S. television premieres as part of its Fuse DOCS series. These films will spotlight young, idealistic and diverse people who celebrate their cultural heritage and identity, confront issues, and overcome prejudice.

Following in the footsteps of Peabody Award-winning INDIVISIBLE, Daytime Emmy® Award-nominated BEAN and the most recent premiere, TIME FOR ILHAN - which followed the RISE of Ilhan Omar, who was just sworn in as one of the first two Muslim female members of the U.S. House of Representatives - documentaries to debut on Fuse in early 2019 will be:

? FATHERHOOD (world TV premiere: Saturday, March 2, 2019 on Fuse) - Part documentary, part musical performance, all heart. This new style of film delivers powerful, shocking and uplifting stories, told through the lens of music culture. Featuring genre spanning songs from hip-hop to blues, FATHERHOOD follows young people in Memphis, Los Angeles, New York and London as they write and perform songs that address healing, with the goal of closing the gap between children and their fathers. Directed by Ben Gregor - who worked with APCH in South Central LA, The Door in NYC, STAX Music Academy in Memphis and Homeboy Industries in LA, as well as young people formerly of Kids Company in London - FATHERHOOD explores the reasons why some fathers choose to remain absent, the impact on their kids and families and the discovery of new and innovative ways forward.

? SICKBOY (U.S. TV premiere: Saturday, April 6, 2019 on Fuse) - Three best friends team up to create a podcast that laughs in the face of serious illness. Jeremie (one of the trio), whose own disease limits his life expectancy, has become deeply concerned about how our society conditions us to avoid speaking with loved ones about serious health problems. What started off as a joke transforms into a personal journey, where the guys reflect on their own mortality and their wishes to help others. Directed by Andrew MacCormack.

? I USED TO BE NORMAL: A BOYBAND FANGIRL STORY (World TV premiere: Saturday, May 18, 2019 on Fuse) - What turns a fan into a Stan? From Beatlemaniacs to Directioners, obsession with a famous boyband is a curious thing. The Beatles, Backstreet Boys, Take That and One Direction all inspire a particular, fanatical fascination. In this surprising coming of age story, the focus is on four diverse women across different generations who struggle with the challenges and contradictions that come with their obsession. Directed by Jessica Leski.

Additionally, Fuse Media will be premiering a new series, Fuse FILMS, a franchise that will spotlight independent films that tell stories about and by members of underserved communities. Inclusive, authentic and upbeat, these indie films are selected because of their aspirational and hopeful storylines, along with a connection to music culture and/or the ability to explore key issues through entertainment.

The first film to be part of the Fuse FILMS franchise is VENUS, which comes to Fuse in May, as part of Fuse Media's Future Asian/Pacific History programming.

• VENUS (U.S. TV premiere: Wednesday, May 1, 2019 on Fuse) - This spirited romantic comedy has a distinctly modern touch - focusing on a family where gender, generations and cultures collide. A South Asian transgender woman sees her life flipped on its head when she meets the "white" teenaged son she didn't know she had. As her complicated circumstances unfold, she must navigate parenting, a romantic relationship, her culture and an overbearing mother. Written and directed by Eisha Marjara, who delivers a resounding plea to cast off gender stereotypes.

"We continue to be proud of the stories being told through Fuse DOCS, and by expanding into independent film, we are able to broaden the breadth of stories we can seek out and share with our young viewers," said Fuse Media Senior VP of Content Strategy Marc Leonard. "VENUS is a fun and thoughtful film that touches on timely topics, and I can't wait for our audience to discover Eisha's compelling creation."

To post a comment, you must register and login.