CNN Films & Trilogy Films Align for John Lewis Doc

CNN Films has partnered with Trilogy Films and Color Farm Media to develop a documentary feature about civil rights icon and Georgia Congressman John Robert Lewis.

Directed by Dawn Porter (Gideon’s Army), the doc will explore Lewis’ extraordinary life—from his childhood experiences with his inspiring family to his work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his career as a U.S. Congressman. Porter’s cameras followed Lewis as he began an exhaustive campaign schedule ahead of the 2018 U.S. midterm elections and through the first year of the 116th Congress. The doc will also feature archival footage and interviews with Lewis, other political leaders and those who’ve figured prominently in his life.

CNN Films will retain North American broadcast rights for the film, while other U.S. rights for the film, including theatrical distribution, remain available. AGC Studios is co-financing and controls the international rights, which will be sold via AGC International.

Dawn Porter, founder of Trilogy Films and director of the feature, said: “John Lewis is a national treasure whose leadership paved the way for a generation. In much the same way as his life and work has been shaped by great civil rights leaders, Congressman Lewis continues to serve the country, introducing legislation to protect our most fundamental rights. There has never been a more urgent need for the type of moral and compassionate leadership that he embodies. I am so honored to be directing this documentary for CNN Films, in partnership with AGC Studios, and am excited to show the world how John Lewis continues to make what he calls ‘Good Trouble.’”

Amy Entelis, executive VP for talent and content development for CNN Worldwide, and Courtney Sexton, VP for CNN Films, both executive producers for the film, added: “CNN Films is honored to be a part of telling Rep. John Lewis’ historic life through Dawn’s film. We hope generations to come will learn from Mr. Lewis’ remarkable American story.”