THE IMPACT SERIES TO RELEASE SURVEILLANCE DOC “UNSEEN SKIES”
Documentary follows artist Trevor Paglen during the final stretch of his decade-long journey to put a work of art into space.
TORONTO, February 13, 2023 — The Sherry Media Group Inc. is proud to announce that it will be releasing Yaara Bou Melhem’s documentary feature UNSEEN SKIES in Canadian theatres next month through The Impact Series.
Opening in Toronto on March 3 at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema before expanding to key markets on March 10, UNSEEN SKIES follows Trevor Paglen, one of the 21st century’s most visionary artists, during the final stretch of his decade-long journey to put a work of art into space. Paglen’s work reveals the largely unseen monolithic power structures of technology and surveillance that shape, impact and increasingly define the framework of our lives. Director, Writer, and Producer Yaara Bou Melhem, two-time UN Media Peace Award-winning filmmaker and investigative journalist, goes behind the lens on Paglen’s most audacious project: launching a satellite into orbit.
The critically lauded Impact Series has engaged audiences from over 90 countries to date with titles such as the Oscar nominated WRITING WITH FIRE and Darren Aronofsky produced THE TERRITORY. Last year the organization launched a social action initiative called “TAKE ISSUE WITH,” which seeks to educate and inspire individuals with an imperative to accept a personal role in solving social issues through involvement and investment.
UNSEEN SKIES is presented in partnership with Participant and Screen Australia in association with Screen NSW. The documentary is an In Films production, produced by Ivan O’Mahoney and Melhem, and executive produced by Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann for Participant; Nial Fulton and Ivan O’Mahoney for In Films. Giant Pictures will release the film in the US later this year on all major digital and on-demand platforms.
Participant’s recent releases include Academy Award® nominee All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (NEON, HBO Documentary Films), winner of the Venice Golden Lion for Best Film; Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power (Greenwich, Peacock); and Descendant (Netflix/Higher Ground), winner of the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Creative Vision at Sundance.
ABOUT THE IMPACT SERIES
The Impact Series is a multi-media social activism platform that is focused on social and environmental issues. Developed by media executive and entrepreneur Jim Sherry investment company SHERRY MEDIA GROUP, The Impact Series dedicates resources towards the purpose of educating and connecting consumers to take ownership in solving challenging social issues.ABOUT PARTICIPANT
Founded in 2004 by Chairman Jeff Skoll and under the leadership of CEO David Linde, Participant (www.participant.com) is the leading global media company dedicated to content that unites art and activism to create positive change. Participant’s films have earned 86 Academy Award® nominations, including 2022’s historic triple nomination for FLEE, and 21 wins, including Best Picture for Spotlight and Green Book; Best Documentary Feature for An Inconvenient Truth, CITIZENFOUR, The Cove and American Factory; and Best Foreign Language Film for Roma and A Fantastic Woman. Participant also has earned 44 Emmy® Award nominations and 11 wins, including two wins for the groundbreaking When They See Us.
A pioneer of socially conscious storytelling, Participant partners with key nonprofits and NGOs to drive real-world impact and awareness around today’s most vital issues on a global scale, and is the only major US entertainment company whose social and environmental impact has earned a B Corp Certification. Participant believes that diversity is a source of strength, that inclusion is essential to progress, and that equity is an imperative for impact. Follow Participant on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT SCREEN AUSTRALIA
Screen Australia is the Australian Federal Government agency charged with supporting the development, production and promotion of Australian scripted and documentary content. The agency funds productions for television, film and online. Screen Australia also administers Australia’s Official Co-production program, in addition to the Producer Offset tax rebate which assists eligible Australian and Official Co-productions to be made. The agency provides a range of resources and opportunities to the industry including access to research, market intelligence and special initiatives.ABOUT IN FILMS
In Films is an Australian independent production company founded in 2013 by Ivan O'Mahoney and Nial Fulton. The company specializes in investigative factual television and feature documentaries. In Films’ projects include the Walkley Award winning ABC series Hitting Home and Revelation, the critically acclaimed US series Borderland, and Firestarter - The Story of Bangarra, winner of the 2020 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award. Other career gongs include the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award, the Prix Europa, the Rose D’Or, the Japan Prize and the Amnesty International Media Award.
ABOUT GIANT PICTURES
Giant Pictures is a leading digital distributor that partners with studios and filmmakers to release movies and series across all major streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Netflix, Tubi, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Freevee, Peacock, and more. Release your movie your way with Giant Pictures. Learn more at giant.pictures.