Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about Free Leonard Peltier, the American documentary film.
Free Leonard Peltier Documentary Synopsis
Free Leonard Peltier is a 2025 American documentary film directed and written by Jesse Short Bull and David France. The film follows Native American activist Leonard Peltier, a prominent member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), who spent nearly five decades in prison following his controversial conviction for the murders of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1975.
The documentary examines Peltier’s conviction, his years in prison, and the efforts of a new generation of Native American activists campaigning for his freedom. It also covers the political and legal questions surrounding his case, which became an important issue for Indigenous rights organizations.
When Does Free Leonard Peltier Premiere on Netflix?
Free Leonard Peltier premieres on Netflix on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Where to Watch Free Leonard Peltier
Free Leonard Peltier is available to stream on Netflix in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and glboally starting October 12, 2026.
Who Is Leonard Peltier?
Leonard Peltier is a Native American activist and a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), an organization established to advocate for Indigenous rights.
In 1977, Peltier was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a 1975 shooting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He received two consecutive life sentences, and his conviction became the subject of decades of legal challenges and campaigns for his release.
On January 19, 2025, President Joe Biden commuted Peltier’s sentence to indefinite home confinement. Peltier was released from federal prison on February 18, 2025, after spending nearly 49 years incarcerated.
Is Free Leonard Peltier Suitable for All Ages?
No, Free Leonard Peltier is rated TV-14 on Netflix and is not suitable for younger children. The documentary contains mature themes, strong language, references to violence, and smoking, while examining a real murder case and a controversial criminal conviction. It is best suited for teenagers aged 14 and older and adults interested in American history, Indigenous rights, and true crime documentaries.
Where Can I Download Free Leonard Peltier Full Documentary?
You can download Free Leonard Peltier legally through the Netflix app on supported mobile devices, provided the download option is offered for the film. Open the documentary’s Netflix page, tap the Download button, and watch it offline through the Netflix app.
On What Devices Can You Watch Netflix?
You can stream Free Leonard Peltier on Netflix using a wide range of supported devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
| Category | Devices |
|---|---|
| Smartphones | iPhone, Android phones |
| Tablets | iPad, Android tablets, Amazon Fire tablets |
| Computers | Windows PCs, Mac computers, Chromebooks |
| Smart TVs | Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Sony Smart TVs, TCL Smart TVs |
| Streaming Devices | Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast |
| TV Platforms | Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Roku TV |
| Web Browsers | Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge |
FAQs
Who Directed Free Leonard Peltier?
Free Leonard Peltier was directed by David France and Jesse Short Bull. France is an American documentary filmmaker known for How to Survive a Plague, while Short Bull is a Lakota filmmaker known for Lakota Nation vs. United States.
Who Wrote Free Leonard Peltier?
David France and Jesse Short Bull wrote Free Leonard Peltier.
Who Produced Free Leonard Peltier?
Free Leonard Peltier was produced by David France, Paul McGuire, Jhane Myers, and N. Bird Runningwater.
What Genre Is Free Leonard Peltier?
Free Leonard Peltier is an American historical and political documentary about a real criminal case, Indigenous activism, and the American justice system.
How Long Is Free Leonard Peltier?
Free Leonard Peltier is 110 minutes long.
Is Free Leonard Peltier Based on a True Story?
Yes, Free Leonard Peltier tells the true story of Native American activist Leonard Peltier, his imprisonment following a disputed murder conviction, and the campaign to secure his freedom.
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