The “BELLY OF THE BEAST” documentary premieres nationwide in theaters October 16 and gives an expose of the criminal justice system’s abuse of human rights towards women. Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter Mary J. Blige wrote and performed the original song for the documentary titled “See What You’ve Done.”
The film will have its national television debut on the award-winning PBS television series Independent Lens on Monday, November 23.
Now more than ever, it is critical to spread awareness about the various atrocities that occur in our country, and the limitless possibilities of how systemic racism impacts human beings.
View the trailer below and listen for a snippet of Mary J. Blige’s “See What You’ve Done,” an original song that will release at a later date.
BELLY OF THE BEAST is directed and produced by Erika Cohn, produced by Angela Tucker, Christen Marquez, Nicole Docta, executive produced by Geralyn Dreyfous, Blye Faust, Mark Lipson, Patty Quillin, Doree Friedman, Diane Philips, Lois Vossen, and Sally Jo Fifer, and music supervised by Tracy McKnight.
About the Original Song ‘See What You’ve Done’
Mary J. Blige, the nine-time Grammy winner and two-time Oscar nominated singer-songwriter, wrote and performed the powerful original song ‘See What You’ve Done’ for the new film. ‘See What You’ve Done’ is written by Mary J. Blige, Darhyl Camper, Jr., Denisia Andrews and Brittany Coney and performed by Mary J. Blige. Mary J. Blige appears courtesy of Mary Jane Productions, Inc.
Mary J. Blige told Variety this morning: “I was moved by Erika Cohn’s important documentary Belly of the Beast. I immediately knew I wanted to be involved and was inspired to write a song that would amplify the voices of women in prison. ‘See What You’ve Done’ is a testimony, a call to be strong, and an anthem for a movement.”
Director Erika Cohn said: “With raw passion and deep emotional resonance, Mary J Blige so exquisitely centers her song, ‘See What You’ve Done,’ from the perspective of survivors, paying tribute to their strength. Both musically and lyrically, it reflects the ongoing pursuit of justice and demands reparation for people who were illegally sterilized in women’s prisons. I could not be more honored to have Mary J. Blige involved as the musical voice of our film.
Kelli Dillon, the film’s protagonist, a survivor of domestic and state violence, and community intervention specialist, was humbled by Mary J. Blige’s interest in the film: “I cried when I first listened to the song. When I heard the passion behind her voice, it affirmed my strength, my ability to survive what happened, and fight.”
