Popular Internet television network Netflix has partnered with Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio for the release of Virunga, a documentary on endangered gorillas.
Appian Way Productions, which is DiCaprio's production company, will also be part of the initiative. DiCaprio is the executive producer of the film project directed by Orlando von Einsiedel.
"Films like Virunga are powerful stories that are a window into the incredible cultural and natural diversity of our world, the forces that are threatening to destroy it, and the people who are fighting to protect it," said DiCaprio. "Partnering with Netflix on this film is an exciting opportunity to inform and inspire individuals to engage on this topic."
Virunga chronicles the journey of park rangers and the mountain gorillas they try to safeguard against militia and poachers at the Virunga National Park in Congo, one of Africa's oldest national parks. The upcoming documentary will delve into the struggles the park rangers face while protecting the endangered primates from poachers.
The film is being touted as "part investigative journalism and part nature documentary."
"With Virunga, we'll work with Leo to introduce viewers around the world to an incredible, gripping story that will have audiences guessing right up until the final act," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix' chief content officer
Virunga is scheduled for release on Nov. 7 in Los Angeles and New York theaters. The documentary will be released on Netflix simultaneously and available in all regions where the online streaming service is available.
With Netflix sealing the deal for Virunga's streaming on the same day as the theater release, the conflict between movie theater owners and the Internet-based service will intensify. Owners are already unhappy with Netflix for partnering with The Weinstein Co. for the release of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's" sequel on the service next year. The movie hits select Imax theaters and Netflix on the same date: Aug. 28, 2015.
Netflix has also snagged a four-film deal of new Adam Sandler movies, which will be an exclusive release for the service. With such coups in its kitty, Netflix seems poised to revolutionize the online streaming space.
Check out the trailer of Virunga below.
