Demi Lovato’s directorial debut will shine a light on queer child stars

Demi Lovato is making her directorial debut with a new Hulu documentary focused on coming of age in the spotlight. Titled Child Star, the documentary will feature queer celebs like Jojo Siwa and Raven-Symoné for an in-depth, 90-minute look at the experience of growing up in Hollywood.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Child Star will focus less on Lovato’s own story and more on their conversations with fellow former child performers. Lovato, who got their start on the children’s show Barney & Friends before their breakout role in Disney Channel’s Camp Rock series, has been the subject of three other documentaries.

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Instead, Lovato’s letting the child stars tell their own stories. The queer guest list includes Raven-Symoné—who got her start as toddler on the Cosby Show—JoJo Siwa—who went from the reality series Dance Moms to the “gay pop” inventor—Alyson Stoner—who starred in Cheaper by the Dozen and later said they were fired from a TV show for coming out as queer.

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Lovato will also interview several other famed child stars, like Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci and Kenan Thompson.

“I’m so proud to make my directorial debut with this documentary that sheds light on the complexities of child stardom, a topic that is very close to my heart,” Lovato said in a statement.

“I want to thank our cast for being so vulnerable with their stories and our contributors for sharing their knowledge to help push the conversation forward.

“I hope viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by young people in the industry so we can achieve our goal of creating a safer and more supportive environment for future generations young talents in entertainment, social media and beyond.”

Co-director Nicola Marsh added that the series would highlight how child stars find their identity while under pressure, an all too relatable experience for queer audiences. “It was a real peek of what it was like to handle meteoric fame in childhood and all the pressures that come along with that,” Marsh said.

“It looks so fun and glamorous on the outside but actually it’s really challenging to be forming your identity as a kid while also commodifying yourself.”

Child Star will be available to stream on Hulu September 17.