Get ready for a groundbreaking take on the war documentary genre. Sypher Studios, teaming up with Lon Haber & Co, has announced that Behind the Lines, a feature documentary based on historian Andrew Carroll’s New York Times bestselling book, is set to make its World Market Premiere at the American Film Market (AFM). With exclusive first-look footage now released, Behind the Lines promises to be anything but your standard war letters doc.
Adapted from Carroll’s epic journey spanning over two decades — which includes time spent in active war zones and search missions in some of the world’s most harrowing places — Behind the Lines dives into the most “extraordinary war letters ever written,” with accounts stretching from the American Revolution all the way up to present-day conflicts. The documentary stands out not just for the sheer scope of letters, but for the voices it includes. This isn’t limited to the battlefield: Behind the Lines reveals the often-overlooked perspectives of civilians who were “caught in the crossfire” and letters penned from the home front, offering a multifaceted look at war’s impact on those away from the action but never far from the emotional toll.
With Behind the Lines narrated by the legendary Annette Bening, audiences will be pulled into the narratives through a powerful blend of voice and performance, thanks to a lineup of A-listers breathing life into these historic words. The film features Laura Dern, Michael C. Hall, Common, DeWanda Wise, Paul Walter Hauser, Gary Cole, and Kelvin Harrison Jr., among others, each performing letters that will make history feel incredibly close. First-time feature director John B. Benitz joins Carroll in shaping this narrative, with a screenplay co-written by Benitz, Carroll, and Bryce Cyrier. Producers Jason Pamer, Jens Jacob, Bryce Cyrier, Benitz, and Carroll ensure that the vision stays true, with executive producers Kerry Patton and David Lopez backing the production.
An international ensemble brings even more voices to the screen, with appearances from an eclectic, star-studded cast including Abigail Cowen, Dylan Sprouse, Rachel Bloom, Wes Studi, Eliza Bennett, and Richard T. Jones, to name just a few.
Adding to its pedigree, Behind the Lines was one of just six finalists for the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film — a testament to the film’s commitment to telling an authentic and impactful story of American history. Set your eyes on AFM for the debut of Behind the Lines; this is one you won’t want to miss.
