Chronicling M.I.A.’s journey from refugee immigrant to pop star, the film traces her roots in Sri Lanka, where “Matangi” was the daughter of a founding member of Sri Lanka’s Tamil resistance. She later fled with her family to the UK, where she became known as “Maya” and was a precocious London teenager.

It was as “M.I.A.” that she later emerged on the global stage, creating an identity for herself that blended “Tamil politics, art school punk, hip-hop beats, and the unwavering, ultra-confident voice of a burgeoning multicultural youth.”

The film likewise provides access to the artist as she battles with the music industry and mainstream media in the midst of exploding success.

“MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A.” will be in UK theatres on September 21 and US theatres on September 28, with other international releases still to be announced.