Plot Synopsis

Directed by Roger Ross Williams and Brooklyn Sudano, LOVE TO LOVE YOU, DONNA SUMMER is a two-hour documentary that takes an in-depth look at iconic artist Donna Summer, shaped by her own reflections, the memories of close family, friends and colleagues, and filled with the sounds of her songs. From the avant-garde music scene in Germany, to the glitter and bright lights of dance clubs in New York, to worldwide acclaim, her voice became the defining soundtrack of an era. A deeply personal portrait of Summer on and off the stage, the film features a wealth of photographs and never-before-seen home video footage -- often shot by Summer herself -- and provides a rich window into the surprising range of her artistry, from songwriting to painting, while exploring the highs and lows of a life lived on the global stage. The documentary pulsates with the beats and significance of Summer's music, including her early hits with Giorgio Moroder, which invoked a sexuality that became a hallmark of Summer's wildly popular stage persona at the time; and "She Works Hard for The Money," which paid tribute to the working woman and became the first video from a Black female artist to debut on MTV. The film provides a rich perspective on her complexity, talent, and the adversity she faced while examining the impact that fame can have on love, art and family. Featured participants include: Summer's three daughters, Brooklyn Sudano, Mimi Dohler and Amanda Sudano Ramirez; husband, Bruce Sudano; her siblings, Dara Bernard, Mary Ellen Bernard and Ric Gaines. Also included are her first husband Helmuth Sommer, manager Susan Munao, band member Bob Conti, producer Giorgio Moroder.