A Poignant Drama of Anna Politkovskaya’s Fight For Truth
Words of War tells the story of Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, whose fearless reporting on the Second Chechen War and unflinching criticism of Vladimir Putin ultimately cost her life.
Directed by James Strong and written by Eric Poppen, the film places Politkovskaya’s relentless pursuit of truth at its center. Maxine Peake (The Theory of Everything, The Village) leads the cast with a searing performance as Politkovskaya, joined by Ciarán Hinds (Belfast, Games of Thrones) as her editor Dmitry Muratov and Jason Isaacs (White Lotus) as her husband, Alexander “Sasha” Politkovsky.
The project filmed in the U.K. and Latvia in early 2023. By 2024, Sean Penn had joined as an executive producer, helping the film gain momentum on the festival circuit with market premieres in Cannes and Toronto. Its official U.S. release came on May 2, 2025, with U.K. and Ireland screenings following in late June.
The narrative begins in 1999, when Muratov sends Politkovskaya into war-torn Chechnya. There, her empathy and determination win the trust of civilians and rebels alike that soon places her in peril. Words of War traces her near-fatal poisoning, her coverage of the Dubrovka and
Beslan hostage crises, and her repeated defiance of those who sought to silence her.
The Washington Post praised the film’s emotional weight and uncompromising storytelling, while Rotten Tomatoes reviewers hailed it as “intense, powerful, and devastatingly true.” The film’s resonance is undeniable. Released at a time when press freedom faces mounting threats, Words of War serves as both a tribute and a warning. It reminds audiences that truth-telling is often an act of extraordinary courage and that Politkovskaya’s voice, silenced in life, continues to echo in our “post-truth” era.
The Tolucan Times interviewed co-executive producers on the project Craig Albrecht and Tracy Hannah. “It was an honor for Tracy and I to be a part of a very meaningful and purposeful movie. At the premiere in New York City, getting to speak with Maxine Peake and Jason Isaacs on how they prepared for their roles, Jason told me I had to be a part of this project immediately because of what it stands for. I was in awe of how Maxine told me how she transformed into her character (Anna Politkovskaya) each day. Maxine will take you through this movie crying, feeling angry and feeling hopeful. But most of all, you will feel they way she feels through out this movie and that is fighting for TRUTH AND JUSTICE. Maxine Peake needs to get nominated for an Oscar.”
Contact: Craig and Tracy at doersglobal1@gmail.com wordsofwarmovie.com @trazarrecords.com azarlawrence.com
