Helmer Greg Barker attached to 'Rope and a Prayer'

Documaker Greg Barker has been attached to direct HBO's upcoming TV movie "A Rope and a Prayer." Pic, in development through HBO Films, is the account of David Rhode, a NY Times correspondent who was held in captivity in Afghanistan and Pakistan for seven months. Kidnapped by the Taliban's brutal Haqqani network, Rohde endured months in captivity while his new wife, Kristen Mulvihill, worked from the United States to secure his release. Eventually, David undertook a dangerous escape from his captors. Michael London and Janice Williams, via their Groundswell Prods., are exec producing. Michelle Ashford is writing. Barker's previous films are "Sergio" and "Koran by Heart." Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com