Kathryn Bolkovac, the woman on whose real life experiences the film is based, sold the rights to her story to director Larysa Kondracki for $100.
Rachel Weisz first read the script in 2005 when she was pregnant, but turned it down because she didn't think she could play the harsh role of Bolkovac at that time. In 2009, after learning that the film never went ahead, she accepted the role and the film entered into production.
It took director Larysa Kondracki eight years to get the film made. The signing on of Rachel Weisz in the lead was instrumental in moving the project forward.
A rape scene, in which the fictionalized character of Raya is brutalized with a lead pipe. had to be toned down as one viewer fainted during a preview screening in Toronto.
Bolkovac's case was actually the second against DynCorp (Democra in the movie) alleging misbehavior in Bosnia. Air mechanic Ben Johnston has also sued the company, alleging he was sacked because he had uncovered evidence that DynCorp employees were involved in 'sexual slavery' and selling arms.