Paramount Pictures’ latest release, September 5, dives into the gripping true story of an ABC sports producer covering the 1972 Munich Olympics when a tragic international crisis unfolded. But what are the real events that inspired this film?

The real events that inspired ‘September 5’

According to Time, John Magaro stars as Geoffrey Mason, an ABC producer whose focus on Olympic sports coverage quickly shifts to breaking news when Palestinian militants from the Black September Organization take members of the Israeli Olympic team hostage. The tension escalates as Mason clashes with Munich police, who accuse ABC’s cameras of revealing the positions of German sharpshooters poised to rescue the hostages.

Behind the scenes of ABC’s coverage

The film also portrays ABC journalists’ efforts to report on the unfolding tragedy. Notably, ABC journalist Peter Jennings reportedly went undercover in the Olympic Village, posing as an athlete with fake credentials to gather firsthand updates.

Mason recounted his experience to Time, saying, “I remember thinking, good Lord: We’re supposed to be watching Mark Spitz go for seven gold medals and Olga Korbut—the new face of Russian gymnastics—and I’m now watching people crawl across a roof getting ready to stage a military assault on terrorists.”

Historical context: Tensions between Israel and Palestine

The film touches on the fraught history between Israel and Palestine. As Time explains, the hostage situation was partly a response to Israel’s Six-Day War, which intensified the conflict. In retaliation, Palestinian groups, including Black September, carried out hijackings and attacks, culminating in the tragic Munich hostage crisis. Their demand was the release of 234 prisoners held by Israel.

Tragically, the Israeli hostages were not rescued. Some were killed by the militants, while most lost their lives during a failed rescue attempt. Reflecting on the tragedy, Mason shared, “This is all so unfair. These young people were just trying to represent their country and pursue excellence in front of the world, and they were deprived of that opportunity.”

When does September 5 hit theaters?

September 5, which had a limited release in December, will premiere in theaters nationwide on Jan. 17.