DISCOVERY+ PREMIERES WORLD-WIDE EXCLUSIVE POPE FRANCIS DOCUMENTARY "FRANCESCO" AHEAD OF EASTER SUNDAY ON MARCH 28TH

Headline-Making Documentary Directed by Academy(R)-Award Nominated Filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky

New York, NY - January 27, 2021 - discovery+, the definitive non-fiction, real-life subscription streaming service, announced today the acquisition and global launch of the headline-making feature documentary film FRANCESCO. From Oscar(R) nominated director and producer, Evgeny Afineevksy, FRANCESCO features unprecedented access to His Holiness Pope Francis, providing an intimate look at a global leader who approaches challenging and complex matters with tremendous humility, wisdom and generosity towards all.

Spanning issues such as climate change, migration and refugees, women's empowerment, sexual abuse and LGBTQ issues, pandemic, border walls, and many more of today's headlines, this documentary takes audiences on a worldwide journey to spotlight the incredible empathy displayed by a leader who continues to inspire hope during an extraordinary moment in our lifetime. In doing so, the film examines how people might take action to transition into a new way of living and thriving in the 21st century.

FRANCESCO will begin streaming globally at the start of Holy Week on SUNDAY MARCH 28th on discovery+, following an opening in virtual cinemas. In addition to watching FRANCESCO on discovery+, viewers can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #Francesco and following Discovery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

In addition to unprecedented access to Pope Francis, the film features interviews with those who have been part of his journey, including his nephew Jose Ignacio Bergoglio, His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, as well as Juan Carlos Cruz, a victim and activist for survivors of sexual abuse, and Sister Norma Pimentel, an advocate for refugees. FRANCESCO paints a portrait of a man who has dedicated his life to bringing together people to thrive as a global community.

"It is an honor to host the global premiere of Francesco on discovery+, spotlighting an intimate look at one of the world's most beloved and influential leaders, Pope Francis. We are thrilled to work with a powerful storyteller like Evgeny on this important project, which is emblematic of our ability to expand our documentary programming aperture on discovery+ to serve subscribers around the world with a diverse and growing slate of originals," says Lisa Holme, Group SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy for Discovery, Inc.

"I am tremendously honored that Pope Francis allowed me to witness and create this inspirational monument dedicated to the most pressing issues facing humanity today. His commitment to people around the world will lead us out of this difficult historical moment and into a brighter future. He is a beacon of light in this world for many and strives every day to enlighten people on how to build a bridge to a better tomorrow," says Afineevksy. "It is extremely exciting to partner with discovery+ to bring his story to people around the world on the same day."

FRANCESCO is a discovery+ original; directed and produced by Evgeny Afineevsky, producers Den Tolmor, Eric Esrailian, Teri Schwartz; executive producers Ted Hope, Colleen Camp, Mark Monroe, Tomáš Srovnal, Michelle Bertrán Neve, Svetlana Chistyakova, Bonnie Abaunza, Bohdan Batruch, Regina K. Scully, Elba Luis Lugo, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Robert Fyvolent. The film is produced by Afineevsky-Tolmor Production with UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (UCLA TFT), PFX - Postproduction and Visual Effects Studio and in association with Diamond Docs. ICM Partners Distribution Advisory Services. The deal was negotiated by ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.

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About discovery+

discovery+ is the definitive non-fiction, real life subscription streaming service. discovery+ features a landmark partnership with Verizon that gives their customers with select plans up to 12 months of discovery+ on Verizon. discovery+ has the largest-ever content offering of any new streaming service at launch, featuring a wide range of exclusive, original series across popular, passion verticals in which Discovery brands have a strong leadership position, including lifestyle and relationships; home and food; true crime; paranormal; adventure and natural history; as well as science, tech and the environment, and a slate of high-quality documentaries. For more, visit discoveryplus.com or find it on a variety of platforms and devices, including ones from Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Roku and Samsung.