James Foley Doc Lands on HBO

NEW YORK: HBO Documentary Films has acquired the U.S. TV rights for Jim: The James Foley Story, focused on the life and death of the frontline journalist who was killed by ISIS.

Jim: The James Foley Story spotlights the American photojournalist who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012 and was ultimately murdered by ISIS in a filmed public execution two years later. The doc will premiere in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the Sundance Film Festival prior to its February 6 debut on HBO. It was produced by Kunhardt Films and directed by Brian Oakes.

“James Foley is America’s son,” commented Sheila Nevins, the president of HBO Documentary Films. “If this story doesn’t move you, nothing can.”

“I made this film to carry on the stories that Jim needed us to know,” noted Oakes. “It’s important that we understand the significant role of today’s conflict journalists and why they risk their lives to tell the world how bad it can be.”

“This film is the work of a talented team of young filmmakers,” added executive producer Peter Kunhardt. “I am very proud of it, and pleased that HBO is once again our partner.”