CNN has announced the creation of CNN Films, a new unit which will develop and acquire documentaries with top filmmakers which will be shown on CNN International (DStv 401) as well as in movie theatres.
The first project from CNN Films is Girl Rising, a look a girls' educations worldwide which will be shown early in 2013.
Girl Rising is directed by Richard E. Robbins with voice performances from Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Kerry Washington and Selena Gomez. It's executive produced by Tom Yellin and Holly Gordon.
CNN Films' documentaries will look at an array of political, social and economic subjects.
"CNN Films will bring distinguished, thought-provoking documentary programming to our global audiences on all our television, online and mobiel platforms," says Mark Whitaker, CNN Worldwide managing editor. "We want these documetnaries to tell compelling stories and stimulate important discussions across CNN's other programmes and websites."
CNN Films also plans to bring the documentaries beyond the small screen by developing strategic partnerships to leverage distribution opportunities at film festivals and in theatres.
Amy Entelis, the senior vice president of talent and content development for CNN Worldwide and Vinnie Malhotra, the senior vice president of development and acquisitions for CNN Worldwide will oversee the acquisition strategy of documentaries under the CNN Films banner. Vinnie Malhotra will be managing the daily operations of CNN Films and work directly with filmmakers to develop original projects.
