Opening Day for "Fahrenheit 9/11": R Rating Upheld, Expansion to 860+ Screens Confirmed

Opening Day for "Fahrenheit 9/11": R Rating Upheld, Expansion to 860+ Screens Confirmed: "The MPAA ruled against Lions Gate Films, IFC Films, and the Weinstein Brothers' Fellowship Adventure Group on Tuesday, rejecting the distributors' request for a PG-13 rating for Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11.' The film will be released with an R when it opens in New York City today (Wednesday) and expands to more than 860 screens on Friday.

While MPAA rules that govern rated films allow those under 17 to attend R-rated films only with an accompanying parent or adult guardian, filmmaker Moore encouraged teenagers to disregard authority and sneak into his new film. 'Teenagers should be able to see this film and see it on their own,' Moore said in a statement Tuesday. 'Older teenagers are being sent to Iraq, some never to return. To say that teenagers shouldn't see this movie means that the truth should be kept from them. I encourage all teenagers to come see my movie, by any means necessary. If you need me to sneak you in, let me know.'"

by Eugene Hernandez
Indiewire