Overview
"We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks" is a 2013 American documentary film that examines the creation, operations, and controversies surrounding WikiLeaks, the whistle‑blowing organization founded by Julian Assange. The film presents a chronological narrative of WikiLeaks’ most notable disclosures, the legal and political challenges faced by its staff, and the broader implications for press freedom and governmental transparency.
Production
- Director: Alex Gibney, an Oscar‑winning documentary filmmaker known for works such as "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" and "Taxi to the Dark Side."
- Producers: Alex Gibney, Robert Greene, Mark C. Bienstock, and Manfred Gerstner.
- Cinematography: Michael Simmonds.
- Music: Jeff Beal.
- Runtime: 101 minutes.
- Country: United States.
- Language: English.
The film was produced in collaboration with HBO Documentary Films and was financed through a combination of private investment and broadcast pre‑sales. Interviews were conducted with a range of individuals, including former WikiLeaks staff, journalists, legal experts, and government officials. Archival footage of public events, leaked documents, and media coverage is interwoven throughout the documentary.
Release and Distribution
- Premiere: The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2013.
- Broadcast: HBO aired the film in the United States on February 24, 2013.
- International Distribution: The film was subsequently released in various international markets through theatrical screenings, television broadcasts, and digital platforms.
Content Summary
The documentary traces WikiLeaks from its 2006 inception, focusing on:
- Early Development: The motivations of founder Julian Assange and initial technical partnerships, including involvement with cryptography activist known as "The Cryptome."
- Major Leaks: The release of diplomatic cables (Cablegate) in 2010, the Afghan and Iraq war logs, and other classified materials.
- Legal and Political Repercussions: The U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation, the indictment of Assange on charges related to the Espionage Act, and diplomatic tensions involving the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Ecuador.
- Internal Dynamics: Tensions among WikiLeaks staff and volunteers, notably the departure of key collaborators such as Daniel Domscheit-Berg.
- Impact on Journalism: Debates about the role of journalists versus publishers in handling classified information, and the influence of WikiLeaks on subsequent whistle‑blowing platforms.
Critical Reception
- Critical Acclaim: The film received generally positive reviews for its thorough investigation and balanced presentation. Rotten Tomatoes reported an approval rating exceeding 80 % based on professional critic reviews.
- Awards and Nominations: It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special in 2014.
- Criticism: Some commentators criticized the documentary for limited access to Julian Assange himself, noting that his participation was largely restricted to archival footage and third‑party interviews.
Historical Significance
"We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks" contributes to the public record by compiling primary source material and expert commentary on one of the most consequential information‑leak events of the early 21st century. The film is frequently cited in academic courses on media ethics, international law, and cyber‑security as a source that illustrates the complexities surrounding the publication of classified documents.
Availability
As of the latest update, the documentary is available for streaming through HBO Max and can be rented or purchased on major digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. Physical DVD and Blu‑ray editions have been released for home media collections.
