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“Words of War,” the upcoming political thriller based on the life of murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya and a film that boasts Senn Penn among its exec producers, has been acquired for a number of international territories.
The film — starring a trio of BAFTA nominees in Maxine Peake, Ciarán Hinds and Jason Isaacs — has been bought for the U.K. and Ireland by Signature Entertainment, with plans a theatrical release. Meanwhile, it’s been picked up by Eagle Pictures for Italy, Divisa Films for Spain, Dimeo Films for Poland, and Front Row Entertainment for the Middle East. The film is being released theatrically in the U.S. by Rolling Pictures, with the Neon and Bleecker Street joint-venture DECAL handling home entertainment rights after the theatrical window.
Directed by James Strong (“Broadchurch”) from a script by Eric Poppen (“Cyberjack”), “Words of War” is based on a true story and follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Politkovskaya was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news, without fear of death or reprisal.
Ian Hart (“Backbeat”), Ellie Bamber (“Nocturnal Animals”), Harry Lawtey (“Joker: Folie à Deux”), Naomi Battrick (“The Postcard Killings”), and Ben Miles (“Andor”) round out the cast.
“Words of War” was produced by Emmy winner Mark Maxey of Rolling Pictures (“Space Oddity”), Miriam Segal of Good Films Collective (“The Infiltrator”), Paul Brennan and Kia Jam (“Lucky Number Slevin”). Executive producers include Penn and Eric Swalwell. The film will be released in the U.S. on May 2, 2025, timed to the United Nations’ World Press Freedom Day.
Matthew Shreder of Concourse Media, who represents worldwide rights, negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers with Begüm Kayacan Parodi on behalf of Signature Entertainment.
“We are thrilled that Signature Entertainment is bringing this important film to theatrical audiences throughout the United Kingdom,” said Shreder, “With this incredible British cast and such a powerful and tragically timely story, it’s great that an award-winning film distribution company like Signature Entertainment recognizes the importance of sharing Anna’s story at this moment in history with all that is going on in the U.K. and around the globe.”
