CNN Films to broadcast “Why We Dream” documentary about veterans returning to Normandy

CNN Films has acquired the documentary feature Why We Dream, which follows a group of centenarian WWII veterans as they make a pilgrimage to Normandy, France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Directed by Meredith Danluck and produced by Delta Air Lines’ Window Seat Studios, in partnership with Pulse Films, the film will premiere in the USA later this spring.

The publicity blurb says: “Through the vivid and intimate reflections of WWII veterans, Why We Dream explores the power of memory and the quiet persistence of trauma and hope. Blending together rare wartime footage, 16mm home movies, cinematic portraiture, and classic film excerpts, Danluck has created an emotionally driven examination of war’s lasting imprint accompanied by an immersive score from Christian Lundberg and Academy Award® winner Hans Zimmer.”

Meredith Danluck explained that after meeting so many WWII veterans onboard Delta Air Lines’ historic ‘Normandy Legacy Flight’ over the past four years, he felt a deep responsibility to carry their stories forward.

Why We Dream premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival and was an official selection of the 2025 Deauville American Film Festival.

No firm date has been set for transmission.

Update – 12/04/2026: Still no news on the release date, other than “Q2 2026”.

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Alastair

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I'm a specialist travel journalist writing about battlefield sites, technical museums, military history, transport infrastructure, electric vehicles, amazing engineering & architecture, industrial heritage… and where you can see it. I’ve been a travel editor & presenter since 1989, originally in local radio, then national & international radio (Classic FM) before moving online just before the millennium. I’ve been an active member of the travel creative community since 2010 and a regular speaker at social media travel conferences. I’m an accredited member of the British Guild of Travel Writers (former Chair & Vice-Chair). I am co-author of Bradt: D-Day Landings – A travel guide to Normandy’s beaches and battlegrounds.

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