A Personal Journey Through Music with Joy Denalane and Max Herre in "Max & Joy - Come Closer"
Exciting kick-off event for the music documentary - Reduced Screening Unveiling of the Musical Documentary
Ready to get Alles Liebe (everything love)? Join Joy Denalane (51) as she invites you on an intimate, moving journey through her life and career in the newly released ARD documentary, "Max & Joy - Come Closer." Despite Max Herre's (52) absence, 200 guests gathered to celebrate the premiere at the Astor Film Lounge in Berlin.
"It was an emotional rollercoaster to relive moments from my past," Joy Denalane shares. " Revisiting my younger self and our shared experiences was heartwarming and insightful."
A Deep Dive into the Lives and Music of a Legendary Duo
The three-part docuseries follows Joy Denalane and Max Herre, a powerhouse couple that has influenced German music for over 25 years. From highs to lows, success to personal moments, their journey offers a unique window into their lives. The docuseries particularly shines a light on their musical journey, achievements, and significant life events, such as the birth of their children, their wedding, temporary separation, and reunion.
Long-time friend and director, Sékou Neblett (53), weaves their story together with material from his own personal archive and that of Joy and Max. "We've been friends for over 25 years, and Sékou's perspective on Max & Joy seemed fascinating," Max Herre explains.
The docuseries also chronicles the creation of their first joint album "Alles Liebe," released in November 2024 and landing at number 5 on the album charts.
Celebrity Guests Come Out for the Big Night
The premiere attracted stars like Jannik Schümann, Lamin Leroy Gibba, Anna Dushime, Hadnet Tesfai, Jenny Augusta, Marwa Eldessouky, and Frank Delle in Berlin on May 7th. "Max & Joy - Come Closer continues a vital chapter in German music history," explains Kristian Costa-Zahn, Program Director of ARD Culture.
After the special screening, Joy Denalane performed her hits "Im Ghetto von Soweto (Auntie's House)," "Was och immer," and "Bisschen mehr als Freundschaft." Her touching performance served as a testament to the growing interest in the documentary. Some glimpses of her performance can be seen in an Instagram story, with Joy Denalane lovingly explaining Max Herre's absence: "Because my Maxi was sick, I took his place."
Joy Denalane, Max Herre, ARD, and Germany's music scene - get ready to Come Closer and discover the heartwarming journey of one of Germany's most influential musical couples.
- Witnessing Joy Denalane's performance during the premiere of "Max & Joy - Come Closer," one can feel the joy and emotional depth that the film offers, as she sang songs like "Im Ghetto von Soweto (Auntie's House)," "Was och immer," and "Bisschen mehr als Freundschaft."
- The first part of "Max & Joy - Come Closer" delves into the life story of Joy Denalane, who, despite being forced to live a life where she doesn't fully express herself, shares her experiences through a series of short stories in the film.
- The docuseries "Max & Joy - Come Closer," a collaboration between Joy Denalane, Max Herre, and director Sékou Neblett, offers a captivating and much-anticipated look into the lives of this influential music duo, their achievements, and significant life events, set against the backdrop of Berlin.
- The docuseries also adds an interesting element with the screenwriting team, taking inspiration from the life and career of Joy Denalane, creating a fascinating duet of real-life interactions and musical collaborations, further enhancing the entertainment value of the documentary.
