Netflix is bringing a new documentary on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh
Netflix is turning the wheel once more with a gripping new documentary on the man who has made a name in investigative journalism, Seymour Hersh.
Best known for reporting stories the world would prefer to stay hidden, the Pulitzer-winning journalist is famous for exposing the most unethical cover-ups of the US government, which include the My Lai massacre of women, children, and the elderly during the Vietnam War, and the prison abuse at Abu Ghraib.
Titled Cover-Up, this new Netflix documentary aims to capture Hersh’s legacy in journalism. Oscar-winning Laura Poitras and Emmy-winning Mark Obenhaus will direct the documentary chronicling Hersh’s career, focusing on his five decades of reporting and revealing what he considers a chain of exoneration within the US military and intelligence agencies.
Hersh’s detailed notes, documents, and archival footage serve as the building blocks of Cover-Up on Netflix. Additionally, the documentary also records the journalist coming to peace with the fact that he’s the subject of a new story after collaborating with Poitras and Obenhaus several times professionally over the years.
Speaking of the forthcoming documentary, Poitras told Tudum, “This is a film I’ve been wanting to make for over two decades, and I’m so grateful that Sy finally relented. It is an honour to introduce younger generations – particularly young journalists – to Sy’s outsider muckraking reporting.” Obenhaus chimed in, saying,” Through him, the film speaks to the essential role of investigative journalism in holding the powerful accountable.”
Yoni Golijov, Poitras, Obenhaus, and Olivia Streisand serve as producers. Executive producers include Thomas MacWhirr, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Josh Braun, and Nick Shumaker. Hersh said of the opportunity, “This is a time when journalism needs all the support it can get.”
Cover-Up already premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, followed by screenings at Telluride and Toronto International Film Festival. The Netflix documentary is also scheduled to be screened at the New York Film Festival and the London Film Festival later in 2025. While Netflix has yet to announce when it will be available on the platform, to know the same, stay tuned for more.