HBO Documentary Films has acquired stateside TV rights to “Jim: The James Foley Story,’’ a documentary about the life and death of the New Hampshire-raised photojournalist executed by ISIS in 2014.

In what marks the first major deal of this year’s Sundance Film Festival season, “Jim’’ will debut Feb. 6 on HBO, shortly after its world premiere at the festival. The film is directed by Brian Oakes, who was Foley’s childhood friend.

Foley’s beheading was captured on video and his death became the subject of international outcry. The freelance war correspondent, who was working for the Boston-based news organization GlobalPost, disappeared in Syria in 2012. The documentary covers Foley’s death, but also explores his childhood and career through interviews with friends, family, and colleagues.

“I made this film to carry on the stories that Jim needed us to know,’’ said Oakes in The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s important that we understand the significant role of today’s conflict journalists and why they risk their lives to tell the world how bad it can be.’’

Isaac Feldberg can be reached at isaac.feldberg@globe.com.