A new World War II movie from CNN is set to make its debut this month.
Directed by Meredith Danluck, Why We Dream follows a group of centenarians as they travel back to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Through personal interviews, archival footage, and modern-day storytelling, the film reveals how the experiences of war continue to shape the veterans decades later while showcasing the importance of preserving firsthand historical accounts.
CNN Films has set a Memorial Day debut for Why We Dream, to pay tribute to the lives and memories of some of the last surviving World War II veterans. The feature will premiere May 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET and 5:00 PM PT on CNN, at the same time as the National Moment of Remembrance.
Produced by Delta Air Lines’ Window Seat Studios alongside Pulse Films, the project revisits the beaches and battlefields tied to one of the most significant military operations in history. The film also features a theme by Hans Zimmer and Christian Lundberg and a score composed by Lundberg through Bleeding Fingers Music.
Following Why We Dream's premiere, CNN will air journalist Christiane Amanpour’s Emmy-winning interview with late World War II veteran Jake Larson. Larson, also known as “Papa Jake,” was also a creator on TikTok. He gained a large following for sharing personal stories and memories from his wartime service through videos on the platform and reached the younger generations. The interview expands on the themes that are featured in the documentary, such as sacrifice, memory, and legacy.
Executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals' executive vice president of talent and creative development for CNN Worldwide, Amy Entelis, said that Why We Dream flawlessly captures the personal experiences of one of the defining moments of the twentieth century. She noted that the documentary's Memorial Day release date makes the experience all the more special.
Throughout the years, CNN Films has released several critically acclaimed documentaries, such as the Decades franchise. Produced by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, Decades dives into major cultural, political, and historical events that occurred throughout US History. The Emmy-nominated documentary series is split into The Sixties, The Seventies, The Eighties, The Nineties, The 2000s, and The 2010s.
Each installment examines the events, entertainment, social movements, and public figures that influenced its respective decade through footage, interviews, and analysis. The project became a cornerstone of CNN Originals’ documentary programming.
Why We Dream premieres Memorial Day on CNN and streaming next day on the CNN app.