Nordic trio DR, SVT & NRK board Greenpeace ship ‘Rainbow Warrior’ doc from Docsville Studios

Rainbow Warrior (Source: Pierre Gleizes, Docvsille Studios)

Nordic trio DR, SVT and NRK have struck deals for a new documentary from Lawrence Elman and Nick Fraser of Docsville Studios that explores the bombing of the iconic ship Rainbow Warrior.

The Greenpeace ship was sunk in July 1985, with investigators initially suspecting terrorists but quickly uncovering a trail of clues that led directly to the French secret service.

The 90-minute doc, titled Rainbow Warrior, charts the clumsy failings of the French spies and how a few peaceful activists would soon become the international giant Greenpeace.

It is being coproduced between Docsville Studios, GNZ, EuropaCorp and Expanded Media, with an unnamed streamer and UK broadcaster also attached alongside NRK, SVT and DR.

Fremantle sells globally, with the show having its North American premier at Doc NYC on 9 November.

Lawrence Elman, CEO at Docsville Studios, said: “While the casualties and geopolitical fallout of the bombing are undoubtedly grave, behind this international diplomatic incident lies a story resembling a comedy spy parody – from bumbling secret agents to cult members; the sexual escapades of a playboy spy and brawls at sea.

“The unique access we have secured will allow us to tell this story on screen for the first time, capturing the intrigue and adventure against the backdrop of 80s culture, whilst at the same time remembering that The Rainbow Warrior bombing is an extreme, absurdist example of where the madness of realpolitik can lead. It’s a phenomenal story and one we cannot wait to tell.”

Edward McGurn, director of Rainbow Warrior, added: “The film demonstrates that a small group of people can make a huge difference if they put their mind to it – a theme that we hope will resonate very strongly in these climatically-challenged times.”

Docsville’s slate also includes a doc about the life of Reverend Jesse Jackson, which is being produced with Expanded Media.