FremantleMedia Sign Documentary Deal

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and Discovery Networks Latin America/U.S. Hispanic (DLA/USH) have signed a deal that will bring the inspirational Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide to more than 44 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico.
The four-hour television documentary series is expected to air on Discovery Home & Health, DLA/USH’s leading lifestyle network for women in Latin America, in March.
Inspired by the #1 best-selling and highly acclaimed book of the same name by the husband-wife team of Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn - Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide follows two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Kristof and A-list celebrity advocates America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union and Olivia Wilde, on a journey that introduces them to women and young girls across the globe who are facing some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable, including sex trafficking, maternal mortality, education barriers and sexual violence, and whom are fighting bravely to change them. The program shadows their intimate, dramatic and courageous struggles as they strive for empowerment and transformation.
Featuring an introduction by George Clooney, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide takes on a powerful, inspirational and heart breaking journey across 10 countries: Cambodia, Kenya, India, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Liberia and the United States, showcasing the resilience of women and their tales of courage and strength in the face of adversity.
"The 'paramount moral challenge' passionately undertaken by Nicholas and Sheryl has brought these women’s heart-wrenching and courageous battles to light. Through their efforts, thousands have been inspired to take action to support human rights issues on women’s health, education, sex trafficking, violence and economic empowerment," said Sheila Aguirre, senior vice president, sales and development, Latin America, Caribbean and Hispanic USA, FME. "We are proud to be partnered with Discovery Networks to bring these stories of hope, optimism and the will to change to all of Latin America."
"We were immediately captivated by the great stories portrayed in this extraordinary series and we are proud to be the network that brings them to the Latin American audience," said Angela Recio Sondon, vice president and channel director, Discovery Home & Health. "As Latin America's #1 lifestyle channel for women, we feel compelled to offer our viewers programs that provide an opportunity to reflect upon the many issues still affecting women around the world and how, as the title of the book that inspired this documentary says, it is possible to turn oppression into opportunity."
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide premiered in the United States in October of 2012 on PBS. The series averaged 1.4 million viewers with a 1.1% share. Among women aged 18-34, shares were up +33% above the broadcaster average. The average audience was also 15% higher than the broadcaster’s primetime average.
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is produced by Show of Force with Fugitive Films (USA), and distributed by FremantleMedia Enterprises.
At NATPE, FME will be based at the Fountainebleau resort in Miami, on the 31st floor of Tresor Tower, Suite 2-3105, from January 28-30th.
www.fmeamericas.com