Netflix buys Egypt protest movement film in doc move

Streaming service Netflix has acquired an Oscar contending film about the recent Egyptian revolution as a first major acquisition in its original documentary initiative.

The Square has won rave reviews at international film festivals and is expected to challenge for the Best Documentary award at the 2014 Oscar ceremony.

This has prompted Netflix to acquire exclusive rights in all territories it operates in when it premieres early next year.

The film looks at the struggle for change during the Egyptian revolution through the eyes of young activists and features footage from the Tahrir Square protests of 2011 and the ousting of president Mohammed Morsi earlier this year. It comes from director-producer Jehane Moujaim and Karim Amer.

“The Square is documentary filmmaking at the highest level – a beautifully constructed chronicle of brave people struggling against insurmountable odds to make their country a much better place,” said Netflix’s VP, original documentary programming Lisa Nishimura.

“We see the deep value that Netflix places in this story of a very alive moment in world history and are thrilled they understand the power of this film to move, disrupt and inspire audiences worldwide,” said Amer.

The news comes after Netflix commissioned its first original documentary, Russell Peters Vs. the World.