Leonard Peltier documentary to debut on Netflix

A new documentary titled ‘Free Leonard Peltier’, directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, is set to debut on Netflix next month. The film examines the controversial conviction of American Indian Movement (AIM) activist Leonard Peltier, who received double life sentences for the 1975 deaths of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Following nearly five decades in federal prison, Peltier’s sentence was commuted to home confinement in January 2025, though his conviction remains. The documentary utilizes archival footage, contemporary interviews, and AI-assisted recreations to explore the history of AIM and the federal government’s actions against the movement.

In recent discussions, Peltier, now 82, has addressed his life following his release, including his struggle with significant vision loss and his efforts to document his life through audio recordings. He is also preparing for an upcoming art exhibition in New York City featuring pieces created during his incarceration.