ARTE Lands The American Revolution

PBS Distribution has sealed its first presale of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, with ARTE France acquiring the six-part doc ahead of its MIPCOM launch.

Burns directs alongside Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt on the documentary from Florentine Films, which delivers a detailed exploration of America’s war for independence. It is launching as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. The voice cast includes Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Damian Lewis, Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman and Josh Hutcherson.

The deal with ARTE was brokered between Eniela Bella, director of co-production finance sales at PBS Distribution, and Helene Ganichaud, Nicolas Portes and Caroline Hocquard at ARTE France.

“Ken Burns has a rare ability to bring history to life in a way that resonates globally,” said Bella. “This early deal with ARTE France underscores the broad international appeal and cultural relevance of the series. We’re proud to be launching it with such a trusted partner.”

“The American Revolution is an engaging, insightful, and nuanced documentary series, which will become an essential reference for understanding a key period in history,” added Hocquard from ARTE France’s specialist factual unit. “It was clear to us that we had to commit to this project with the renowned director Ken Burns and our partner PBS Distribution.”

The series will be unveiled with an exclusive screening on Tuesday, October 14, from 11:45 to 12:45 in Audi K, followed by a live Q&A with Burns and Botstein.