Rachel Maddow's documentary 'Kill. Bury. Print.' wins the David Carr Award at the Montclair Film Festival for its gripping true crime narrative.
The 2026 Montclair Film Festival has confirmed that producer Rachel Maddow and director Ben Klein will receive the prestigious David Carr Award for Truth in Non-Fiction Filmmaking. This recognition is for their latest documentary, Kill. Bury. Print., which explores a gripping standoff between a small family-run newspaper and the local sheriff’s department in McCurtain County, Oklahoma. The announcement was made via Variety on September 22, 2026.
Kill. Bury. Print. centers around a critical and shocking storyline that highlights issues of freedom of the press and local governance, following the aftermath of secretly recorded audio that revealed serious threats against journalists. This documentary not only sheds light on the personal risks faced by these journalists but also speaks to broader themes of journalistic integrity and accountability within communities.
Particularly resonant in today's media landscape, Maddow's film highlights the challenges faced by local news organizations. Both Maddow and Klein have indicated that the narrative is rich with elements that could appeal to a wide audience, with Maddow describing it as a combination of All The President's Men and No Country For Old Men.
The Montclair Film Festival’s David Carr Award honors the legacy of the esteemed New York Times reporter, who was a valued member of the Montclair community. Each year, the award is presented to a documentary that embodies Carr’s commitment to truth and journalistic excellence. This year’s selection emphasizes both storytelling and the nuanced balance of truth-telling in journalism, connecting directly to Carr’s values.
Ben Klein expressed gratitude on behalf of the filmmaking team, noting the significance of the award. "Our film is centered around a family of bulldog journalists, and we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute than an award that honors the spirit of the great David Carr," Klein said in a statement.
Kill. Bury. Print. is set to premiere on the NBCUniversal streaming platform Peacock on September 27, 2026, and will also screen during the Montclair Film Festival, with a special post-screening Q&A session featuring Maddow and Klein on October 17, 2026, at the Wellmont Theater.
Maddow, who has produced documentaries through her company, Surprise Inside, remarked on the challenges and excitement of working within the true crime genre. This documentary marks her first true crime effort and is part of her ongoing commitment to impactful storytelling, having previously released From Russia With Lev and Andrew Young: The Dirty Work.
The recognition of Kill. Bury. Print. at the Montclair Film Festival underscores the enduring significance of non-fiction storytelling in highlighting vital societal issues. As audiences increasingly seek profound narratives that challenge established norms, this documentary stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle for journalistic truth, particularly in areas where local media is under threat. The attention from the festival and its acknowledgment through the David Carr Award may elevate the film’s visibility and broaden its reach, contributing to discussions about press freedom and integrity in journalism.
For those interested in the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking and its cultural implications, this award serves as a significant milestone for Maddow and Klein, marking their continued impact in the realm of impactful storytelling.
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