- The Washington Times - Monday, January 13, 2020

The first film produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions was nominated for an Oscar on Monday.

Distributed by Netflix, “American Factory” centers on Chinese company Fuyao’s factory in Moraine, Ohio. It will be considered for the Best Documentary category at the Academy Awards on Feb. 9, competing against “The Cave,” “For Sama,” “Honeyland” and “The Edge of Democracy.”

The nomination for “American Factory” goes to the film’s producers — Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert and Jeff Reichert — of Higher Ground Productions, which was launched by Barack and Michelle Obama in 2018.

The Obamas cheered the nomination on Twitter.

“Glad to see American Factory’s Oscar nod for Best Documentary,” the former president tweeted. “It’s the kind of story we don’t see often enough and it’s exactly what Michelle and I hope to achieve with Higher Ground. Congrats to the incredible filmmakers and entire team!”

“So thrilled that Julia Reichert, Steven Bognar, and all of the incredible people behind #AmericanFactory are nominated for the Best Documentary Oscar!” the former first lady tweeted. “We’re so proud of them and amazed by their talent for storytelling. See for yourself now on @Netflix.”

• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.

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