New Documentary to Examine the First Act of Modern Terrorism: The Munich '72 Olympic Terrorist Attack

LOS ANGELES -- The Foundation for Global Sports Development today announced the development of a new heavy-hitting documentary short to examine what is widely considered the first act of modern terrorism: the attack at the Munich Olympics in 1972. The film will be called "Munich 1972 & Beyond."

David Ulich, film producer and President of The Foundation for Global Sports Development (Photo: Business Wire)

Producers from GSD include internationally recognized sports psychologist Dr. Steven Ungerleider, author of "Faust's Gold " and "Mental Training;" and GSD President David Ulich, who has worked closely with the American Film Institute and the Annenberg Foundation. Ungerleider and Ulich conceived of the film idea and will be an integral part of the creative and production team. They have 35 years of experience consulting with the Olympic Committee and working on high profile Olympic related cultural activities.

The film, scheduled for release later this fall, will explore the terrorist attack on Israeli athletes within the context of a new memorial under construction in Munich, an initiative undertaken by the Bavarian government to bring a sense of closure to this 43-year drama. It will unravel why and how the attack happened, its aftermath, and its importance in 2015 and beyond. A theatrical release is planned along with a wide educational distribution and ultimately global television partners around the world.

GSD has partnered with Director Stephen Crisman, whose credits include documentaries for A&E, MSNBC and "60 Minutes," and Executive Producer Michael Cascio -- four-time Emmy winner and former programming chief at National Geographic Channel, as well as A&E, and MSNBC -- to bring new research and information to the film, exclusive interviews and fresh perspective in the midst of ongoing headline-grabbing terrorist attacks such as Charlie Hebdo.

"Forty-two years later, the Munich attack is merely a historical footnote," said Ungerleider. "We need to come to terms with this horrific trauma before any healing can take place."

According to Ulich, "The Olympic movement represents the highest ideals of peace and athleticism, and this film will explore how this event impacted those ideals."

"The Munich Olympics forever changed our world, but there are millions of people who don't remember," said Crisman. "Now is the time to fully examine the catalyst to modern terrorism with wide open eyes, new research and hard-hitting questions that are revealing and relevant for today -- especially in the wake of Charlie Hebdo and other attacks."

"I've never shied away from strong topics," said Cascio, whose work has covered the Holocaust to 9/11. "Munich will be that rare, exceptional film that the world should watch. And with the upcoming memorial being constructed, there's finally the international will and cooperation to tell the story as it deserves to be told."