National Geographic Documentary Films has picked up Matthew Heineman's COVID-19 documentary The First Wave from Participant and Our Time Projects.
Heineman directed and produced the feature film about frontline workers at one of New York City’s hardest-hit hospitals, Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, during the first four months of the pandemic last year.
Neon will release the film from the Cartel Land and City of Ghosts director in theaters later this year before a broadcast premiere on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages worldwide.
The First Wave is also produced by Jenna Millman and Leslie Norville, while the executive producer credits are shared by Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann, Alex Gibney,.