Netflix, in first major film deal, acquires documentary ‘The Square’

Netflix has acquired “The Square,” an original documentary that chronicles the Egyptian revolution that began with dramatic protests in Tahrir Square in Cairo.

The film, from director/producer Jehane Noujaim, won this year’s Toronto International Film Festival documentary people’s choice award. It tells the story of the revolution in the eyes of the activists, whose protests led to the 2011 overthrow of military leader Hosni Mubarak as well as this year’s ouster of President Mohammed Morsi.

“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,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix’s vice president of original programming.

ON LOCATION: Where the cameras roll

Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos hinted that the budding Internet television network would enter the world of original film production if it could bring the same innovations that it did for television shows, when it released all episodes of the acclaimed series “House of Cards” at once.

He caused an uproar among theater owners when he suggested that films should debut on the Netflix service on the same day that they reach theaters.

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