PBS Distribution announces pre-sale of Ken Burns´latest epic The American Revolution to Arte France ahead of MIPCOM

PBS Distribution has announced the first international  pre-sale of The American Revolution (6x120’), the latest documentary epic from award-winning filmmaker  Ken Burns. ARTE France has acquired the six-part series ahead of its global launch at MIPCOM 2025. 

Produced by Florentine Films and directed by Ken Burns alongside Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, the  series explores the founding of the United States through a detailed examination of the War of  Independence and the people, well and lesser known, who fought in and lived through the war. Blending  rare archival materials, immersive visuals, and in-depth historical analysis, The American Revolution presents the war as both a global conflict and a brutal war that transformed the very idea of liberty and  self-governance. 

Launching as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the series also explores the international  dimension of the war, including the support provided by France - without which American victory may not  have been possible. 

The series is further elevated by an all-star voice cast, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Damian Lewis,  Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, and Josh Hutcherson - positioning it as a premium offering for  international buyers looking for prestige, high-end factual content. 

The partnership with ARTE France marks a key early commitment from a major European broadcaster.  The deal was brokered between Eniela Bella, Director of Co-Production Finance Sales at PBS Distribution,  and Helene Ganichaud, Nicolas Portes and Caroline Hocquard at ARTE France, who expressed early  interest in the series based on its scale, storytelling ambition, and international relevance. 

'Ken Burns has a rare ability to bring history to life in a way that resonates globally', said Eniela Bella,  PBS Distribution. “This early deal with ARTE France underscores the broad international appeal and  cultural relevance of the series. We’re proud to be launching it with such a trusted partner.” 
'The American Revolution is an engaging, insightful, and nuanced documentary series, which will become  an essential reference for understanding a key period in history. It was clear to us that we had to commit  to this project with the renowned director Ken Burns and our partner PBS Distribution', says Caroline  Hocquard, from ARTE France Specialist Factual Unit. 

The series comes at a time when stories of revolution, democracy, and identity are reverberating across  political and cultural discourse worldwide. The American Revolution speaks directly to these themes,  making it a resonant offering for global broadcasters and platforms. The series will premiere in the United  States on PBS starting November 16th. More information about the film and the national conversation the  filmmakers are having leading up to the 250th founding of the country in 2026 can be found here:  https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution/ 

Timed to headline PBS Distribution’s factual slate at MIPCOM, the series will be unveiled with an exclusive  screening on Tuesday, October 14, from 11:45 to 12:45 in Audi K, followed by a live Q&A with co-directors  Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein.

PBS Distribution is now in advanced discussions with additional broadcasters across Europe, Asia-Pacific,  Middle East and Latin America, with rights available for both linear and streaming platforms.  

LC