Cocaine Godmother Leads A+E Networks’ MIPCOM Slate

Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago, Ocean’s 12) is heading to Cannes next month to promote Cocaine Godmother, an upcoming TV movie that A+E Networks plans to present at the market alongside many other highlights.

Cocaine Godmother sees Zeta-Jones portray Miami drug lord Griselda Blanco, who is suspected of having ordered more than 200 murders throughout her reign. Directed by Academy Award winner Guillermo Navarro, the film is due to debut on Lifetime in the U.S. next year.

A+E Networks is also showcasing Oscar Pistorious: Blade Runner Killer, which tells the story of the Paralympic champion who was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkap. The movie will make its world television premiere on November 11 on Lifetime.

Other highlights include Menendez: Blood Brothers, starring Courtney Love, Nico Tortorella, Myko Olivier and Benito Martinez, and based on the true story of the titular siblings; Story of a Girl, a book-based film that marks Kyra Sedgwick’s directorial debut; Beaches, with Idina Menzel and Nia Long leading the cast of the classic movie’s remake; and I Am Elizabeth Smart, focused on the infamous abduction case.

There is also The Wrong Neighbor, about a neighbor who becomes obsessed with a father and his teen daughter; Deadly Secrets by the Lake, which sees NYPD Detective Jennifer Riley try to prove the innocence of her sister; Lost Wife of Robert Durst, in which a billion-dollar real-estate heir awaits a murder trial; and Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland, told through the eyes of the King of Pop’s trusted bodyguards.

“As the top producer of original movies for television—with a catalog of over 300 and offering more than 40 new titles every year—we are committed to making movies that tell culturally relevant, compelling stories created by Hollywood’s best on both sides of the camera,” said Patrick Vien, the executive managing director of international at A+E Networks. “We are excited to be bringing this new slate of films to the global marketplace backed by a U.S. ratings track record that is destined for repeat throughout international territories.

“We are also thrilled that Catherine Zeta-Jones will be joining us this market. As one of the Hollywood elite and a true global phenom, Ms. Zeta-Jones epitomizes the high-caliber auspices of our TV movies. We’re excited to bring this energy to MIPCOM, with Ms. Zeta-Jones at the helm.”