Starz Digital has acquired North American distribution rights to Barbara Kopple’s “Miss Sharon Jones!,” the documentary about the R&B queen who has been called “the female James Brown.”

In the film, Kopple follows Jones as she battles a cancer diagnosis, while struggling to hold her band, the Dap-Kings, together. On the eve of the release of her new album, internationally recognized soul singer was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Tour dates were cancelled, the album pushed back and Jones entered into a fight for her life and career. The film intimately follows what was an intense and courageous year in her life.

The film is produced by director Kopple and Dave Cassidy.

A July 29 theatrical release is planned, which will be followed by a digital, on-demand and home video release in the fall.