The Global Release of *The Cranes Call*: A Documentary on Ukraine’s War Crimes

A groundbreaking documentary, *The Cranes Call*, which delves into the harrowing reality of war crimes in Ukraine, directed by Laura Warner and produced by HiddenLight Productions—founded by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton—was announced for worldwide release via the direct-to-consumer platform Gathr. This significant update was revealed by the filmmakers on Monday.

Film Presentation at the Cinema for Peace World Forum

As part of its launch, Laura Warner and Hillary Clinton will present *The Cranes Call* at the Cinema for Peace World Forum, which coincides with its Gathr release, marking a pivotal moment for both the film and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

A Real-Time Crime Thriller in a War Zone

Described as a “real-time crime thriller set in a warzone,” the film follows journalist Neistat and her team as they seek out survivors of the Russian invasion. These brave individuals stand against Russian commanders and soldiers who face accusations of horrific war crimes, including rape, torture, and murder inflicted upon civilians and their families. Notably, Neistat collaborates with Solomiia Stasiv, a young Ukrainian woman who has recently entered the field amid the escalating conflict that erupted on February 24, 2022.

Production and Impact

Evan Williams took on the role of producer for *The Cranes Call*, with HiddenLight’s co-creative directors Siobhan Sinnerton and Amy Flanagan serving as executive producers alongside actor Liev Schreiber. In a recent statement, Hillary Clinton emphasized the film’s timely release, stating, “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, making it a struggle for all freedom-loving people.”

A Critical Moment in the Ukraine Conflict

The release of this documentary arrives during a vital period in the Ukraine conflict, particularly as discussions unfold regarding a potential ceasefire between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a situation that faces strong opposition from Ukraine.

Highlighting the Human Cost of War

Regarding the Gathr release, Siobhan Sinnerton expressed her enthusiasm for broader access to the film, highlighting its compelling documentation of life during the war in Ukraine. She remarked, “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.”

The Role of Gathr in Film Distribution

Gathr serves as an innovative on-demand platform, specializing in theatrical screenings, virtual event cinemas, and direct-to-consumer film releases. The platform has gained traction with activist-oriented documentaries, exemplified by its successful distribution of projects such as *Union*, which chronicles the unionizing efforts of Amazon workers in Staten Island, New York.

Challenges of Distribution

Johnny Webb, CEO of HiddenLight, discussed the challenges media producers face in gaining visibility for their films in a saturated market: “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 is crucial.” He further noted that Gathr offers valuable benefits to producers and broadcasters alike, aiding in audience engagement and generating awareness prior to traditional TV rollouts.

International Sales and Premieres

*The Cranes Call* is currently being positioned for international sales, with WME holding North American distribution rights and Sphere Abacus managing international rights. The documentary represents a collaboration between British network Channel 4, Minderoo Pictures, and Cinema for Peace, and it had its world premiere at last year’s Tribeca Festival.

For additional details, visit the Hollywood Reporter.