Nat Geo Greenlights Docs on Water Wars & Jane Goodall

WASHINGTON, D.C.: National Geographic Channel has partnered with several award-winning filmmakers and producers for a variety of specials, including the feature documentary Parched from Oscar winner Alex Gibney.

Chronicling the modern water wars, Parched will have a theatrical release and air globally on the National Geographic Channels in 171 countries and 44 languages. It will broadcast along with a three-hour miniseries produced simultaneously by Gibney and his Jigsaw Productions. Emmy winner Marina Zenovich will executive produce and direct.

“With Marina’s vast expertise and experience as a director and producer coupled with Alex’s inspiring and uncompromising vision, I have no doubt that their combined sense of storytelling will give the much-needed sense of urgency and illumination to this very important series,” said Tim Pastore, the president of original programming and production at National Geographic Channel.

Nat Geo has also partnered with award-winning director Brett Morgen for an as-yet-untitled feature documentary on famed primatologist Jane Goodall. Produced by National Geographic Studios, in association with Public Road Productions, the film will also have a theatrical release followed by a global television premiere on the National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages.

“Brett Morgen has an uncanny ability to completely immerse viewers into his subject matter with his signature style,” Pastore said. “I can’t think of anyone better suited to transform this classic National Geographic footage of Dr. Goodall into a modern-day masterpiece that will celebrate her life and contributions to wildlife conservation.”

Additionally, the network has commissioned the tentatively titled LA 92, a chronicle of the 1992 Los Angeles race riots. That title will be produced by Lightbox, a multiplatform media company founded by Oscar winner Simon Chinn and Emmy-winning Jonathan Chinn.

“Recent events and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the riots only amplify the importance of telling the story of the Los Angeles riots in an authentic way and with the remarkable perspective that National Geographic is known for,” Pastore commented. “And as we continue to make strides in documentary filmmaking, Simon, Jonathan and Lightbox are the perfect team to deliver the kind of high-quality, gripping content we strive for.”