CNN have announced the creation of CNN Films, a new arm of the CNN empire that will source feature length documentaries to be aired on CNN and CNN International, as well as receiving distribution in movie theatres. The news was announced by Mark Whitaker, who revealed that the first film to be released by CNN Films will be Girl Rising, which features the voices of Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez.

Girl Rising is the movie that inspired a global action campaign that was launched in order to promote education for girls, called 10x10. The documentary tells the tale of girls from around the world, all fighting to overcome “impossible odds” in order that they can realize their dreams. This inspirational tale will reportedly be aired in Spring 2013. “CNN Films will bring distinguished, thought-provoking documentary programming to our global audiences on all our television, online and mobile platforms,” said Whitaker, and added “We want these documentaries to tell compelling stories and stimulate important discussions across CNN’s other programs and websites.”

CNN plan that the documentaries will span a variety of subject matters, including politics, as well as social and economic subjects. The premiere of each movie will be accompanied by a series of programs related to the subject matter in question. The CNN reports revealed: “In-depth interviews, expert commentary, roundtable discussions, debates, and behind-the-scenes footage will be featured across all of CNN’s broadcast and online platforms.