‘Words Of War:’ Maxine Peake, Ciarán Hinds & Jason Isaacs Political Thriller Heading To Cannes Market With Concourse Media, First Look Images Revealed

By Zac Ntim
DEADLINE, international reporter

Political drama-thriller Words Of War, led by an ensemble including Maxine Peake, Ciarán Hinds, and Jason Isaacs, is heading to this month’s Cannes Market. 

Rolling Pictures, Good Films Collective, and Concourse Media have partnered on the pic. Concourse Media has world rights and will present to buyers in Cannes. Check out first-look images from the film below and above.

Written by Eric Poppen and directed by James Strong (Broadchurch), the film is based on the real-life story of American-Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya’s pioneering, brave crusade, fighting for an independent voice in Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. For seven years, she refused to give up reporting on the Second Chechen War despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence and was then assassinated in 2006. She gained widespread international renown for her criticisms of Russia and stands as a pillar of press freedom.

Peake plays Anna Politkovskaya, the title role. Hinds portrays Dmitry, Anna’s friend, and Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief. Isaacs plays Sasha, Anna’s husband. Rounding out the cast are Ian Hart, Naomi Battrick, Harry Lawtey, Ellie Bamber, Agni Scott, Alec Newman, and Ben Miles.

“The relevance of Anna’s story in today’s evolving geopolitical landscape is striking, and it’s more important than ever to ensure her story is told,” said Concourse CEO Matthew Shreder. “Words of War is a gripping political thriller filled with intensity that will intrigue and enlighten audiences.”

Brennan added: “The story of Anna Politkovskaya embodies what it means to be a courageous journalist. If we don’t have a vibrant and independent free press to expose what is happening in the world today, we are going to be beset by all the problems that we saw in this very powerful film.”

Check out a first-look image from the film on DEADLINE.