Laura Poitras Backs Push Against Paramount-Warner Deal, Warns of U.S. Doc Funding Crisis

Home Film Global Apr 20, 2026 4:15am PT Laura Poitras Backs Push Against Paramount-Warner Deal, Warns of U.S. Doc Funding Crisis Opening the industry section of Swiss doc festival Visions du Réel, the U.S. filmmaker points to collective action in the doc community among funding cuts By Lise Pedersen Plus Icon Lise Pedersen Latest Jacqueline Zünd Explores Climate Inequality in ‘Heat,’ Premiering at Visions du Réel: ‘I Found Dystopia in Real Life’ 6 hours ago ‘Magilligan’ Follows Former Inmate Struggling to Navigate Life After Prison: ‘I Don’t Think He’ll Ever Find Peace’ 3 days ago Swiss Films Make Strong Showing at Visions du Réel With Three Titles in Main Competition 4 days ago See All Courtesy of Jan Sturmann Opening the industry section of Swiss doc festival Visions du Réel, with her latest Netflix-produced feature “Cover-Up” serving as the festival’s opening film, Oscar-winning filmmaker Laura Poitras pointed to a documentary sector that is not only under pressure but increasingly mobilized – including around opposition to the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. Citing an open letter signed by more than 1,000 industry professionals, she said: “There’s recently been a letter calling to block the merger – I know behind the scenes a lot of documentary filmmakers were involved in that, there’s that kind of engagement.” Related Stories 'American Pie' Star Shannon Elizabeth Joins OnlyFans After Hollywood 'Controlled the Outcome of My Career': 'This Is About Changing That'