The new political drama/thriller Words of War starring Maxine Peake, Ciarán Hinds and Jason Isaacs will launch worldwide sales in Cannes. Also starring in the movie are Ian Hart, Naomi Battrick, Harry Lawtey, Ellie Bamber, Agni Scott, Alec Newman, and Ben Miles.
War of Words is based on the real-life story of American-Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya’s pioneering, brave crusade, fighting for an independent voice in Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. For seven years, she refused to give up reporting on the Second Chechen War despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence and was then assassinated in 2006. She gained widespread international renown for her criticisms of Russia and stands as a pillar of press freedom. The film and Anna significantly represent a microcosm of a global epidemic of a staggering number of journalists being silenced and murdered in the pursuit of uncovering and exposing the truth.
The film was written by Eric Poppen and is directed by James Strong (Broadchurch).
Words of War is produced by Mark Maxey and Miriam Segal. Sean Penn is executive producer, along with Stefanie Scott, Rick Crumly, Matthew Shreder, Grant Mohrman, Simon Fawcett, Andrew Wing, David and Alexandra Bell and co-executive producers Brett Nemeroff and John Pettit.
Rolling Pictures and Good Films Collective have partnered with Concourse Media which has acquired world rights for Words of War and will be presenting the film to buyers in Cannes for the first time.
The relevance of Anna’s story in today’s evolving geopolitical landscape is striking, and it’s more important than ever to ensure her story is told,” states Concourse CEO, Matthew Shreder. “Words of War is a gripping political thriller filled with intensity that will intrigue and enlighten audiences.”
“Before making this film, I was unaware this was an actual epidemic,” said producer Mark Maxey, reflecting on the shocking number of journalists who have been killed in recent years. Executive producer Sean Penn stated journalists are as “essential to all our freedoms as air.” Maxey added “Every journalist should have the right to report what is happening in the world without fear of death or reprisal.”
“Making this important film couldn’t come at a more appropriate time in history, given world events. Its relevance and significance show the cultural power of filmmaking. We have gathered an amazingly talented and acclaimed cast and an award-winning director, and we feel sure that we’re making something that pays fitting tribute to Anna and her courage; a film that strikes a balance between mould-breaking, dynamic entertainment and an inspiring, engaging homage to a true heroine of the 21st century.” said Segal.
Maxine Peake plays Anna Politkovskaya, the title role. Peake is an English stage, radio, film and television actress, best known to American audiences for playing Steven Hawkings’ nurse and wife, Elaine Mason, in The Theory of Everything.
Ciarán Hinds portrays Dmitry, Anna’s friend and Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief. Hinds is a prolific and award-winning actor known for his performances in major motion pictures like Belfast, The Woman in Black, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He is known to television audiences for Game of Thrones, Rome, Above Suspicion and Shetland. Hinds voiced Grand Pabbie, the Troll King in the animated films Frozen and Frozen II.
Jason Isaacs plays Sasha, Anna’s husband. Isaacs is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series. Other notable roles include Mr. Darling/Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Col. Tavington in The Patriot, Capt. Steele in Ridley Scott’s Blackhawk Down, Major Briggs in Green Zone, Capt. Waggoner in Fury, Capt. Lorca in Star Trek: Discovery, Field Marshall Zhukov in The Death of Stalin, Rear-Admiral Godfrey in John Madden’s Operation Mincemeat and Jay in the award-winning MASS.
The National Press Club hosted a private screening for Words of War (fka Anna) last month in Washington, D.C., where a number of international luminaries and journalists were in attendance, including Sean Penn, journalist Bob Woodward, U.S. Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), former CIA director John Brennan. A lively panel discussion led by National Press Club president Emily Wilkins followed the screening and explored the issues raised in the film with panelists Swalwell, Woodward and Brennan.