The film The Correspondent is based on the incredible true story of Australian journalist and foreign correspondent Peter Greste and his imprisonment in Egypt in 2014.
In 2026, it won the AACTA Industry Award for Best Production Design in film, and Best Screenplay in Film, with Richard Roxburgh also winning Best Lead Actor for his role.
What is The Correspondent about?
As mentioned, the film is based on the true story of Australian journalist Peter Greste, played by Richard. Peter was arrested and imprisoned in Cairo, Egypt.
While working the news desk over the Christmas holidays, Peter is arrested on charges of terrorism and becomes a subject in his own worldwide news story and a pawn in a deadly political game featuring corrupt officials and international intrigue.
It is a chilling illumination of the risks many journalists take when pursuing the truth and how fragile freedom of the press can be in the face of an authoritarian regime. However, using his wits and unlikely allies, the truth may just win out.
Who is Peter Greste?
Peter Greste is an Australian journalist and foreign correspondent best known for his work with major international news organisations like the BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
In 2013, Peter gained worldwide attention when he, his producer Mohamed Fahmy, and journalist Baher Mohamed were arrested. They were charged with spreading false news and aiding a terrorist organisation, the Muslim Brotherhood. At the time, the Egyptian government believed that Al Jazeera was an arm of the group.
However, after 400 days in prison, Peter was released and deported back to Australia in February 2015. His colleagues were not released until much later.
His case sparked global outcry and highlighted the threats to press freedom in politically volatile regions. Since then, Peter has become a strong advocate for press freedom. He co-founded the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom and became a public speaker and author. His book The First Casualty (2017) examines journalism in conflict zones and the growing risks journalists face.
Where can I watch The Correspondent?
The Correspondent is currently available to stream on Netflix for subscribers. Audiences can also choose to purchase it on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
