WarnerMedia snags global rights to ‘Simple As Water’ doc for HBO Max & HBO

Simple As Water

WarnerMedia has picked up worldwide and streaming rights to Simple As Water, the documentary from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Megan Mylan (Lost Boys Of Sudan).

The special, which had its world premiere on closing night of the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, will have a limited theatrical run before debuting on HBO later this year and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.

The doc explores the bonds between parent and child, delving into the effects of war, separation and displacement on the relationship. It filmed over the course of five years in five countries including Turkey, Greece, Germany, Syria and the US.

Mylan said: “How do you preserve your child’s right to joy and to move slowly out of innocence when the very basics of having your family safe and together are ripped away? I’m grateful for the trust and collaboration of the families in the film and to our wonderfully diverse crew from all over the world who came together to craft these family portraits.”

The doc was directed by Mylan with crews of small teams from all over the world, many Syrian refugees themselves. Cinematographers attached include Lars Skree (The Act of Killing), veteran DP Michael Chin (Eyes On The Prize) and Rafia Salameh, who worked inside Syria. She must remain anonymous for her safety and is credited with a pseudonym.