EXCLUSIVE: Political drama-thriller Words Of War, about the life and murder of Russian-American investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, has sold to further international territories.
Deals have been closed with Trade Media in France, Mis Label for Scandinavia, Noori Pictures for South Korea and Vertical for Eastern Europe (excluding Poland). The film is now available for streaming in the U.S. via Neon and Bleecker’s Streets joint-venture Decal.
BAFTA-nominee Maxine Peake, Oscar-nominee Ciarán Hinds and BAFTA-nominee Jason Isaacs star in the film, which is executive-produced by Sean Penn and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-14).
Previously announced European deals include Signature for UK, Divisa for Spain, Eagle for Italy, Front Row for Middle East and Dimeo for Poland.
Pic is based on the real-life story of Politkovskaya’s pioneering crusade for an independent voice in Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. For years, she exposed the atrocities of Second Chechen War despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. She gained widespread international renown for her criticisms of Russian leaders and stands as a pillar of press freedom. In 2006 on Vladimir Putin’s birthday, Politkovskaya was assassinated in her apartment elevator, an act that attracted widespread international attention and outrage.
Sean Penn was at a National Press Club screening of the movie in Washington, D.C. last year. Also in the room were famed journalist Bob Woodward, U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), and former CIA director John Brennan.
The film was written by Eric Poppen and is directed by James Strong (Broadchurch). Concourse Media reps international sales. Producers are Mark Maxey for Rolling Pictures and Miriam Segal for Good Films Collective.
