HBO Max Drops Trailer for Dawn Porter's When a Witness Recants
The documentary, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, begins streaming on HBO Max on November 17, 2026.
HBO Max has released the main official trailer for When a Witness Recants, the documentary directed by Dawn Porter. The film begins streaming on the platform on November 17, 2026.
The documentary premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and also screened at Full Frame, Hot Docs and DC/DOX, according to firstshowing.net. Ta-Nehisi Coates serves as an executive producer on the project.
The film is adapted from reporting by journalist Jennifer Gonnerman. Depositions used in the documentary were taken in 2022.
The case behind the film
The story traces back to 1983, when a 14-year-old boy was murdered in a Baltimore school corridor, leading to the wrongful convictions of three teenagers. The three men were released on November 22, 2019, after 36 years in prison, following a witness's recantation.
Quick answers
When does When a Witness Recants stream on HBO Max?
The documentary begins streaming on HBO Max on November 17, 2026.
Who directed When a Witness Recants?
Dawn Porter directed the documentary, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.