Sean Penn’s Exec Produced Political Thriller ‘Words of War’ Launches Initiative to Support Press Freedom | Trailer

The political thriller Words of War starring Maxine Peake (The Theory of Everything, The Village), Ciarán Hinds (Belfast, Game of Thrones), and Jason Isaacs (White Lotus, Harry Potter, Death of Stalin) will open in select theaters in the U.S. on May 2, to coincide with World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, expanding internationally this summer.

Executive produced by two-time Academy Award winner Sean Penn and Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-14), the film will hold a special screening at the Press Freedom Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, followed by a panel discussion with cast and crew, moderated by Jim Acosta.

The screening kicks off the initiative to donate a portion of proceeds from the movie release to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club

Directed by James Strong, Words of War tells the story of world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, whose fearless reporting exposed corruption, human rights abuses, and war crimes – ultimately leading to her assassination in 2006.

Watch the official trailer for Words of War.

“Anna Politkovskaya’s story is not only about bravery—it is a call to action,” said Mark Maxey, president of Rolling Pictures. “By supporting organizations like CPJ and the Press Club’s Freedom Center, we hope Words of War will not only raise awareness around this important issue but also provide meaningful assistance to journalists working in high-risk environments across the globe today.”

“Every day, journalists risk their lives to tell the truth. Words of War is a powerful reminder of their courage—and of our shared responsibility to ensure their stories are heard, their sacrifices honored, and press freedom defended worldwide,” said National Press Club President Mike Balsamo.

“Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist whose unflinching coverage of the Chechen-Russian conflict ultimately led to her murder, is emblematic of journalists’ dedication to reporting the facts, and of the impunity that prevails in response to their killing,” said CPJ Chief Global Affairs Officer Gypsy Guillén Kaiser. “At a time when attacks on the press are spiking worldwide, Anna’s legacy is a reminder that threats against the press also threaten our right to be informed, and we must ensure that all journalists can report the news without fear of reprisal.”