Netflix, taking its first step into films, has acquired the rights to distribute the documentary The Square, about the Egyptian revolution that started in Tahrir Square.
The documentary, which focuses on telling the story from the point of view of the protestors during the 2011 revolution that ended with Hosni Mubarak being ousted, already won the Toronto International Film Festival documentary people's choice award, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Netflix Vice President of Original Programming Lisa Nishimura said, "We are thrilled to be presenting an amazing film that brings to life in such a deeply human way one of the most important events of our time."
TIME notes that stepping into movies is Netflix's next goal. In October, Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos saif in a keynote speech at the Film Independent Forum that movie theaters "stifle innovation."
"What we're trying to do for TV, the model should extend pretty nicely to movies," Sarandos said. "Why not premiere movies on Netflix the same day they're opening in theaters? And not little movies... Why not big movies? Why not follow what the consumers desire, to watch things when they want?"
Netflix may have also targeted The Square because the film qualifies for Oscar consideration, as it's currently on a limited run in L.A. and New York.
image: Wikimedia Commons
