“CNN Films’ Harrowing Documentary “Chowchilla” Set to Debut December 3

CNN Films and Max are teaming up to bring viewers the gripping story of the Chowchilla mass kidnapping, which will premiere on Sunday, December 3 at 9pm ET/PT on CNN. This documentary, directed by Paul Solet, takes a deep dive into what is considered to be the strangest mass kidnapping in history.

The events unfolded on July 15, 1976, in Chowchilla, California, when three masked men boarded a school bus and abducted the driver and all 26 children on board. The kidnappers then transported them to a remote quarry in soundproofed vans and buried them in an underground chamber. The children faced a terrifying ordeal, with limited food and water, dwindling air supply, and the constant fear of the roof collapsing on them.

However, one brave child took the lead in organizing an escape plan, and the survivors managed to free themselves from their underground prison. The apprehension of the kidnappers and the subsequent revelation of their identities only added to the shock and horror of this traumatic event. The survivors, who had lost so much, were left to grapple with the aftermath for years to come.

Chowchilla is a collaboration between Zipper Bros Films, Sutter Road Picture Company, CNN Films, and Max. The film is produced by Glen Zipper and Sean Stuart are producers and Maren Domzalski and Chris Krein are co-producers. The film is executive produced by Amy Entelis and Alexandra Hannibal for CNN Films.

Chowchilla will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN OTT and mobile apps on Sunday, December 3. The film will be available on demand beginning Monday, December 4 to pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN apps, and Cable Operator Platforms.

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