TVREAL
HiddenLight Productions, co-founded by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sam Branson and Chelsea Clinton, has released its real-time documentary The Cranes Call internationally via GATHR.
In the real-time thriller, director Laura Warner embeds with war crimes investigator Anya Neistat and her team as they track down a group of survivors bold enough to take a stand against those who committed the crimes of rape, torture and murder against themselves and their families. In this particular mission, Neistat joins forces with Solomiia Stasiv to document evidence of human rights abuses in the fight to bring Russian commanders and soldiers to trial.
The Cranes Call is directed by Warner and produced by Evan Williams. It is executive produced by HiddenLight’s co-creative directors Siobhan Sinnerton and Amy Flanagan, as well as Evan Williams. Liev Schreiber is also an executive producer.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice granted HiddenLight access to the high-risk work of Neistat, its lead investigator, and her team of researchers as they collect evidence on the ground in Ukraine.
The film was commissioned by Channel 4 in association with Minderoo Pictures and Cinema for Peace.
GATHR empowers filmmakers and impact-driven organizations to connect with audiences through Theatrical On Demand, non-theatrical engagements, Virtual Event Cinema, private label TVOD and strategic coalition-building campaigns. With its innovative approach, GATHR is facilitating the global release of the documentary.
The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in 2024. On March 17 this year, it was screened at the Cinema for Peace World Forum in Berlin, hosted by Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“This special screening and global release of The Cranes Call could not be more timely,” said HiddenLight’s Hillary Rodham Clinton. “The film brings to life the brutality of Vladimir Putin’s aggression and the resolve of the Ukrainian people. It’s a story told so richly that you will be convinced that Ukraine’s fight is a fight for democracy itself, and it is, therefore, the fight of all freedom-loving people.”
“We are very happy that more people will get to see this film, which documents so compellingly what the reality of the war in Ukraine is for people living there,” Sinnerton commented. “The determination of our main characters not to let these crimes go unpunished feels more important to highlight now than at any time during the conflict.”
Johnny Webb, CEO of HiddenLight, added, “One of the biggest challenges for broadcasters is awareness and ensuring that a film stands out in a crowded landscape. Cutting through the noise and reaching the right audience at the right time is crucial, and solutions like GATHR benefit both producer and broadcaster by building audience data, engaging viewers directly and, most importantly, generating awareness ahead of the TV window. We’re looking forward to extending the film to more buyers worldwide at this critical time.”
