Freestyle Digital Media acquires documentary 'Heroic' for digital release

Freestyle Digital Media has acquired digital distribution rights to Traci L. Slatton’s documentary feature about the making of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. The film premiered Oct. 17 at the Newport Beach Film Festival, and a digital release is targeted for early 2027.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives the documentary a wider path to audiences beyond festivals and the memorial community. - The film centers on the creation of a major national monument and the veterans who modeled for it, giving the story historical, artistic and human stakes.

What happened: - Freestyle Digital Media acquired digital distribution rights to HEROIC: SABIN HOWARD SCULPTS THE NATIONAL WWI MEMORIAL. - Traci L. Slatton wrote and directed the documentary. - Freestyle announced the deal after the film’s Oct. 17 world premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival. - The release is targeted for early 2027, with the exact date still to come.

The details: - The documentary follows sculptor Sabin Howard’s nine-year effort to create A Soldier’s Journey, the 38-figure bronze centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C. - Slatton used more than 4,000 hours of footage shot across the United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. - The film covers the artistic ambition behind the memorial, federal design battles, pandemic disruption and personal sacrifices tied to the project. - Contemporary veterans served as models for soldiers of the First World War, bringing their own experiences into the studio. - Slatton also managed the sculpture project while documenting the decisions, conflicts and relationships that shaped the memorial before it was cast in bronze. - The documentary is a Superhuman Film Productions title. - Howard produced the film. - Kathleen Glynn executive produced the film; her credits include BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE and FAHRENHEIT 9/11. - The film marks Slatton’s feature documentary debut. - Slatton previously made the award-winning shorts THE SCULPTOR’S WIFE: A LOVE STORY IN DOCUMENTATION and ONE SOLDIER’S JOURNEY. - Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal directly with the filmmakers and Glen Reynolds of Circus Road Films. - Freestyle Digital Media is the digital distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group.

Between the lines: - The project is being positioned as both an art-world documentary and a broader story about commitment, loss and public memory. - Glen Reynolds said the film should resonate beyond art and history audiences because its central struggle is staying committed to a vision when the outcome is uncertain. - Slatton said she wanted to preserve the human story behind the bronze and the veterans who contributed to the work.

What's next: - Freestyle Digital Media will announce the digital release date closer to launch. - The film will move from festival premiere status to streaming and VOD distribution in 2027. - More information is available at Freestyle Digital Media and Superhuman Film Productions.