‘Words of War’ About Assassinated Journalist Anna Politkovskaya, Secures International Distribution

The upcoming film “Words of War,” based on the true story of world-renowned Russian-American journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, has been acquired for international distribution across multiple territories.

The film, executive produced by Oscar-winner Sean Penn and directed by Emmy and BAFTA Award winner James Strong, is set to be released by Rolling Pictures in the U.S. on May 2, to coincide with the United Nations World Press Freedom Day on May 3.

Signature Entertainment has acquired rights for a theatrical release in the U.K. and Ireland. The deal follows sales to Eagle Pictures in Italy, Divisa Films in Spain, Dimeo Films in Poland, and Front Row Entertainment in the Middle East.

“We are thrilled that Signature Entertainment is bringing this important film to theatrical audiences throughout the United Kingdom,” said Matthew Shreder of Concourse Media, who represents worldwide rights, and negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers with Begüm Kayacan Parodi on behalf of Signature Entertainment.

“With this incredible British cast and such a powerful and tragically timely story, its great that an award-winning film distribution company like Signature Entertainment recognizes the importance of sharing Annas story at this moment in history with all that is going on in the U.K. and around the globe,” Shreder said.

“Words of War” stars Maxine Peake (“The Village”), Ciarán Hinds (“Game of Thrones”), Jason Isaacs (“White Lotus”, “Death of Stalin”), Ian Hart (“Eroica”), Ellie Bamber (“Nocturnal Animals”), Harry Lawtey (“Joker: Folie à Deux,” “Industry”), Sophie Simnett (“Daybreak”), and Ben Miles (“Andor,” “Diana”).

The film follows Politkovskaya’s fight to report the news for the Russian people, “putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence,” according to the official description. The investigative journalist was known for reporting from Chechnya on the Second Chechen War. She survived a poisoning in 2004, only to later be assassinated in an elevator in 2006, drawing international attention.

Along with Penn, the film is executive produced by U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), primary sponsor of the Journalist Protection Act, which would make intentionally harming a journalist with the intent of intimidating them from doing their job a federal crime.

“Anna is one of more than 1,800 journalists who have been killed so far this century while pursuing a story” said producer Mark Maxey, adding that “no matter who you are, everyone should have the right to do their job well without fear of being killed.”

A pre-release screening of “Words of War” at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., was attended by prominent journalists and government figured.

“Its not only a powerful movie but is an absolute truth that authoritarian regimes, like in this case, assassinate reports [sic],” said legendary Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward.

“The story of Anna Politkovskaya embodies what it means to be a courageous journalist,” said former CIA Director John Brennan. “If we dont have a vibrant and independent free press to expose what is happening in the world today, we are going to be beset by all the problems that we saw in this very powerful film.”