Common Joins Documentary Short ‘The Second Life of Freddie Nole’ as Executive Producer (EXCLUSIVE)

Common, the Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist and actor, has joined Dana Nachman’s documentary short “The Second Life of Freddie Nole” as an executive producer, Variety can reveal exclusively.

According to an official logline, “‘The Second Life of Freddie Nole’ follows an extraordinary man on what initially appears to be an ordinary day. Freddie Nole drives to a Pennsylvania prison to pick up a man who has just been released, offering him a ride, a meal, clean clothes, and something far more valuable: the knowledge that someone is waiting for him. As the vérité road trip unfolds, audiences discover Freddie’s own remarkable history. Sentenced to life in prison at just seventeen years old, Freddie spent nearly fifty years behind bars before regaining his freedom.”

“The Second Life of Freddie Nole” premiered in June at Tribeca Festival and recently earned a nomination for best short documentary at the 2026 Critics Choice Documentary Awards. Since its debut, the film has screened at DC/DOX, Raindance London, HollyShorts and the Hamptons International Film Festival.

“Common has spent years using his platform to advocate for people whose voices too often go unheard,” said Nachman. “What moves me most about Freddie is that he doesn’t just talk about second chances — he shows up at the prison gates and makes them possible. Having Common join our team means the world to us, and we hope together we can inspire more people to help returning citizens reintegrate into our society.”

Common is probably best known for starring as Robert Sims in Apple TV’s sci-fi drama “Silo” and for winning the 2015 Oscar for best original song for his work on “Selma.” His recent film credits include “Breathe,” “Fool’s Paradise” and “Alice.” As a musical artist, Common has won three Grammys across 2022 nominations. His standout records include 2000’s “Like Water for Chocolate” and 2004’s “Be.”

“The Second Life of Freddie Nole” will next screen at Firehouse Cinemas at DCTV in New York City on Nov. 10, 2026. Common will be in attendance.