Rainbow Warrior Doc Presold in Scandinavia

Rainbow Warrior, a feature documentary exploring the 1985 bombing of a Greenpeace ship, has been presold to DR (Denmark), SVT (Sweden) and NRK (Norway).

The 90-minute film, a co-production between Docsville Studios, GNZ, EuropaCorp and Expanded Media, has also been presold to a streamer and U.K. broadcaster that is soon to be announced. The documentary is being distributed globally by Fremantle and will have its North American premiere at DOC NYC on November 9.

Rainbow Warrior explores the day two bombs exploded in the port of Auckland, New Zealand, sinking the ship in the night. Investigators initially suspected terrorists but soon uncovered a trail of clues that led directly to the French secret service.

Edward McGurn, the film’s director, commented: “This story is more relevant than ever with the seemingly constant threat of nuclear war and the environmental crusade that many young people will consider their life’s mission. The film demonstrates that a small group of people can make a huge difference if they put their mind to it—a theme that we hope will resonate very strongly in these climatically challenged times.”

Lawrence Elman, CEO of Docsville Studios, said: “While the casualties and geopolitical fallout of the bombing are undoubtedly grave, behind this international diplomatic incident lies a story resembling a comedy spy parody—from bumbling secret agents to cult members; the sexual escapades of a playboy spy and brawls at sea. The unique access we have secured will allow us to tell this story on screen for the first time, capturing the intrigue and adventure against the backdrop of 80s culture, whilst at the same time remembering that the Rainbow Warrior bombing is an extreme, absurdist example of where the madness of realpolitik can lead. It’s a phenomenal story and one we cannot wait to tell.”