Pictures, more than ever, tell Iraq story

By GEOFF PEVERE

TheStar.com - Pictures, more than ever, tell Iraq story:

"The power of these images lies in their unofficial status. They capture candid and uncontrolled moments from a regime that has otherwise exerted a certain fanaticism in the area of message management.

Bush, possibly the least public and most verbally impaired of all Presidents, is hardly ever permitted to hold forth extemporaneously. (When he spoke before the commission investigating his government's response to Sept. 11, Bush did so on the rather startling condition that his testimony be held behind closed doors and not recorded. So much for history.)

Working with a largely compliant mainstream media, the administration had, for the first several months of the war, successfully prevented images of dead American soldiers - or their families - from making it to TV. War journalists are 'embedded' by the U.S. military or they don't cover the war.

Now all that's in meltdown. With stellar timing, Fahrenheit 9/11 debuted at one of the world's most-watched movie events at the same time that other crisis of image mismanagement - the photos and videos depicting prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib prison - was erupting daily in the world press.

The story there was in the pictures: pictures taken by American military personnel of their comrades in arms in the act of torturing Iraqi prisoners, recorded with digital cameras that everybody now uses, and e-mailed anywhere instantly.

Massive chinks were now apparent in the Bush administration's once impenetrable public relations armour, and they were being caused by people taking pictures."

Michael Moore.com : Mike's Message : Mike's Latest News

Michael Moore.com : Mike's Message : Mike's Latest News: "Transcript of Interview with Rep. Mark Kennedy.
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY How are you doing?
MM: I'm trying to get members of congress to get their kids to enlist in the army and go over to Iraq. Is there any way you could help me with that?
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: How would I help you?
MM: Pass it out to other members of congress.
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: I'd be happy to. Especially those who voted for the war.
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: I have a nephew on his way to Afghanistan.
MM: Because there is only one member who has a kid over there in Iraq. This is Corporal Henderson, he is helping me out here.
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: How are you, good to see you.
MM: There it is, it's just a basic recruitment thing. Encourage especially those who were in favor of the war to send their kids. I appreciate it.
CONGRESSMAN KENNEDY: Okay, bye."

AP Wire | Rep. Kennedy no fan of Michael Moore film ad

AP Wire | 06/04/2004 | Rep. Kennedy no fan of Michael Moore film ad: "Rep. Mark Kennedy, a Republican, is a little annoyed at leftist film maker Michael Moore after an edited version of an interview between the two appeared in the trailer for Moore's upcoming U.S. release of the film 'Fahrenheit 9/11.'
'I was walking back to my office after casting a vote, and all of a sudden some oversized guy puts a mike in my face and a camera in my face,' Kennedy said. 'He starts asking if I can help him recruit more people from families of members of Congress to participate in the war on terror.'"

---------------
It is a rather odd that Rep. Kennedy has not released a statement through his web site regarding his feeling toward the F911. His site is in-depth and up-to-date.

JoBlo's movie review of Fahrenheit 911

...if there is one movie that you will see this year, make sure that it's FAHRENHEIT 9/11.

JoBlo's movie review of Fahrenheit 911: Michael Moore, President George W. Bush: "...Since then, many pundits have laced Moore for his 'brand' of editing, his alleged one-sidedness and re-creations to prove a point, but I went into his latest documentary with the same amount of grains of salt that I would any other such film. I came out, once again, engaged, entertained, informed, satisfied and this time around, absolutely convinced that the current President of the United States was a 'bad man' of various proportions who asked his fellow citizens to fight a war for reasons ultimately really known only to himself and a handful of others, but having little or anything to do with any true attempt to stop terrorism, capture Osama Bin Laden/Al Quada or prevent Saddam Hussein from using his invisible 'weapons of mass destruction'. Michael Moore didn't make me believe these things by the end of his film, I was already quite convinced about the real reasons behind the war before I even heard about Moore's movie, but he put all of the pieces together as he did in BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE and should be commended-no, strike that- given a medal of f*ckin' honor for having the balls to go out there, utilize the freedom that he's been given by his country and attempt to find the real story behind most of the bullshit that politicians consistently regurgitate down our throats every day."

Premiere Magazine: Cannes Film Festival Review

Premiere Magazine: " . . an explosive and heart wrenching piece of cinema . . .

By Mark Salisbury

After all the furor surrounding the Disney company's decision not to release Michael Moore's incendiary new documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11 the world's press finally got to see what the fuss was all about and what exactly had gotten Disney in such a lather when the film was shown on Monday in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Less a documentary than a one man crusade against the current incumbent of the White House, Moore's blistering film makes a persuasive case as it takes aim at the Bush administration and goes for jugular. Moore takes as his starting point George W's controversial victory of the 2000 presidential election, following through to the September 11th attacks in New York and Washington. He picks apart the Bush's family ties with the Saudis, and in particular asks how 24 members of the Bin Laden family were allowed to leave the U.S. with White House approval in the days following 9/11, as well as delving into a subsequent fictional war on terror'the Bush-led witch hunt for Sadaam-rather than going after Al-Qaeda-and right up to the current conflict up to Iraq and the realization that maybe America had gotten itself involved in another Vietnam.

Even though there’s not much new ground covered here (a lot of the same material was picked over in Moore’s recent best-seller), and despite the fact the film is arguably around 15-20 minutes too long, this is, nevertheless, an explosive and heart wrenching piece of cinema that should provide ample ammunition for those who are fast becoming disillusioned by the increasing body count of American soldiers in Iraq. If Moore finds a brave US distributor ready to step up to the plate, he’s likely to have an even greater than Bowling for Columbine. As for the future for the president? That’s up to you folks . . ."

Michael Moore clips debut on Web | CNET News.com

Michael Moore clips debut on Web | CNET News.com: "The Web has become an increasingly important venue for Hollywood to promote its wares, with streaming trailers for high-profile films drawing heavy traffic well before the material shows up in theaters. "

ExtraTV.com : Moore Film Rocks Capitol Hill

ExtraTV.com : Moore Film Rocks Capitol Hill: "'Fahrenheit 9/11' is one movie that George W. Bush does not want you to see. The scathing Bush-bashing documentary, by Academy-Award winning filmmaker Michael Moore, criticizes the Bush administration's response to the attacks of September 11th.
The film also portrays the war in Iraq as a conflict that has unnecessarily endangered lives and even attempts to connect the Bush family with Osama Bin Laden's Saudi clan.

'I think when people see this film in America, every step along the way, this movie is a new revelation to them,' said Moore. 'Mr. Bush has a lot of apologizing to do.' "

IHT: Other Views: What Moore can we hope for?

IHT: Other Views: What Moore can we hope for?

Moore's triumph at Cannes did not only make Disney look stupid: it is at least possible that without Eisner's intervention, the film-maker would have returned from France with a lesser accolade.

Moore represents a healthy and vibrant strand in American democracy. -- a tradition of sceptics, of dissenters who were hard to silence, of troublemakers who insisted on asking the difficult questions.
.
Although it isn't exactly misleading of Moore to depict himself as a David up against a range of Goliaths, if truth be told, he's had it much easier than a wide range of illustrious predecessors who were put through the wringer for their political views, and didn't always come out alive.
.
Moore has suffered few of the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Sure, there are concerted efforts to discredit him, but they have failed to substantially dampen his appeal.
.
He is accused of bias, but that's a charge that could be flung back at most of his detractors. Moore makes no secret of the fact that he is partisan, and there is no good reason for him not to edit his documentaries in a manner that substantiates his arguments.

Analysis: 'Fahrenheit 9/11' has a date

United Press International: Analysis: 'Fahrenheit 9/11' has a date: "
By Pat Nason
UPI Hollywood Reporter
Published 6/2/2004 7:24 PM

LOS ANGELES, June 2 (UPI) -- 'Fahrenheit 9/11' has a U.S. release date, June 25, that presents both challenges and opportunities for Michael Moore and the consortium of companies that will distribute his new anti-Bush film.

The challenges are mainly logistical; the opportunities are mainly a function of the film-release calendar from now until June 25.

Marketing a movie is a major enterprise, one that Hollywood rarely undertakes to manage in 3 1/2 weeks -- the amount of time that will have elapsed between the announcement of a distribution deal and the actual release date for Moore's follow-up to his Oscar-winning documentary, 'Bowling for Columbine.'

Marketing the picture involves media buys, poster distribution and the other nuts-and-bolts components of getting the word out to the potential audience. Then there is the matter of press junkets and promotional appearances to flog the product in the marketplace -- but "Fahrenheit 9/11" already has a head start there.

After Moore made initial headlines by announcing that the Walt Disney Co. had refused to allow its subsidiary Miramax to distribute the movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11" made further headlines at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the top prize, the Palme d'Or.

The release schedule seems to present "Fahrenheit 9/11" with an opportunity to capitalize on what could turn out to be a lackluster slate of films over the next four weekends."

Fahrenheit 9/11 trailer out

Fahrenheit 9/11 trailer out - Film - www.theage.com.au: "The trailer for Michael Moore's new documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 debuts in theatres Friday, but the curious can find it on his website a day earlier at
Michael Moore Dot Com.

"

Bowling for 'Fahrenheit': The 411

Bowling for 'Fahrenheit': The 411:

BY ROGER EBERT FILM CRITIC

Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' is designed to promote his personal political agenda. On CNN, he said he hoped the movie would get out the anti-Bush vote. Did Moore give even lip service to views opposite his own?

You reported on the reception his film received in Cannes. Given the location, France, and the crowd, journalists, Hollywood movie types and Frenchmen mostly, what did you expect? By praising an obviously politically motivated film, are you simply being a pawn of Moore's own political agenda?
Mark Pachankis,
Shreveport, La.

A. Well of course it's a politically motivated film. That's allowed. President Bush's speeches are politically motivated, and he doesn't give lip service to views opposite his own. That's allowed, too.

I must decide if a movie is good or bad, despite whether I agree or disagree with its politics. I oppose the death penalty, but gave 'The Life of David Gale' zero stars. 'Birth of a Nation' is in my next book, The Great Movies II, even though it reeks of racism. Many film historians rank Leni Riefenstahl's 'The Triumph of the Will' as a cinematic milestone, although it glorifies the Third Reich.

Disney's Eisner Stands Behind Miramax

Disney's Eisner Stands Behind Miramax: "CEO Michael Eisner made clear Wednesday that Disney's Miramax Film subsidiary was an integral part of the company.
But as for Miramax's chiefs -- co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein -- well, that's another story.
Eisner's declaration of attachment to Miramax came as he defended once again his decision not to distribute Fahrenheit 9/11, the anti-President Bush documentary produced by Miramax and directed by filmmaker Michael Moore.

Whatever box-office payoff might come from distributing the film, Eisner suggested Wednesday, wasn't worth the costs of potentially offending a substantial portion of the U.S. population, and having those would-be customers take out their anger on other Disney businesses.

'It has nothing to do with censorship,' Eisner told investors at a Sanford C. Bernstein conference in New York, in a question-and-answer session that was audiocast over the Internet. 'I still think it's the right decision, and would make it again tomorrow.' "

Lion's Gate closes with gain on Moore film deal

Investor's Business Daily: Breaking News: "CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- Shares of Lion's Gate Entertainment rose Wednesday on word that the company will be a part of a 'fellowship' formed to distribute 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' the latest documentary from director Michael Moore.

'We are honored to handle [Moore's] latest film,' said Lion's Gate chief executive Jon Feltheimer late Tuesday in a statement. 'We are delighted to join with IFC to maximize the theatrical potential of `Fahrenheit 9/11', which promises to be one of this year's seminal cinematic events.'

Lion's Gate (LGF) stock was up almost 2 percent to $6.72 at the close."

Fahrenheit 9/11: The Dark Horse Becomes a Contender

IslamOnline - Art & Entertainment Section: "

By Dilshad D. Ali
IslamOnline Correspondent

That controversial documentary director Michael Moore likes to gun for the Bush administration and conservatives (and Republicans) in general is no new news. To see any of his films is to understand that. But the surge building for his newest award-winning documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11 (which still has no release date at press time), in the independent film circuit and in the media speaks of a huge tidal wave steadily rushing towards the US movie-loving public. The question is: Will it impact the presidential election?
Answer: Not having seen the film yet (as it has only been shown at last week?Ds Cannes Film Festival in France), it?Ds difficult to say. But the hype and sneak peeks issued through reviews in major newspapers and on Michael Moore?Ds Web site speak of a whining mosquito that won?Dt be slapped away. It probably won?Dt win the election for Democratic hopeful John Kerry, but it?Dll sure stir up enough of a flap to aggravate the Bush administration and maybe swing some votes."

Hollywoodreporter: Lions Gate, IFC, Showtime hot for 'Fahrenheit'

Hollywoodreporter.com: "While Lions Gate had long been considered a front-runner to distribute Moore's film because of the company's previous relationship with the Weinsteins -- Lions Gate has rolled out such too-hot-to-handle Miramax fare as Kevin Smith's 'Dogma' -- IFC emerged as a dark horse in the 'Fahrenheit' theatrical race. Sources close to the film had previously indicated that units including Newmarket Films, Focus Features and ThinkFilm had all been in discussions at various times.

However, through its cable net, IFC has been doing business with the Weinsteins for years, and its theatrical division has had success in growing grassroots movements for such films as 'Y Tu Mama Tambien' and 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' The company also has a strong New York presence, while Lions Gate is based in Los Angeles.

Some sources also speculated Tuesday night that the Weinsteins could also be laying the groundwork to develop a further relationship with IFC parent Rainbow Media Enterprises, which is slated to be spun off by New York-based Cablevision Systems this year. The revamped RME will include the Voom satellite TV division, other cable nets including AMC and the Clearview Cinemas theater chain. The Weinsteins have expressed an interest in developing a Miramax cable presence, and the nascent Voom division also is seeking content packages.

The Weinsteins also indicated that they aren't finished bringing partners aboard 'Fahrenheit' and that further names would be added, possibly in a bid to pack a more potent political punch. In addition, by bringing other corporations aboard -- like Viacom, which owns Showtime, and, possibly, NBC Universal, parent of Universal Home Video -- the move could give the Weinsteins the added satisfaction of making Disney look timid."

baltimoresun.com - Online Poll

baltimoresun.com - New distributor to release Moore film in U.S. theaters:

"Do you want to see 'Fahrenheit 9/11'?"

39.7%
Of course, Moore is brilliant! (323 votes)

29.4%
Yes, I'm curious. (239 votes)

25.5%
No, it's just a bunch of lies. (207 votes)

5.4%
Maybe. (44 votes)

813 total votes

Canadian Studio Plans to Distribute Moore's 9/11 Film

The New York Times > Business > Media & Advertising > Canadian Studio Plans to Distribute Moore's 9/11 Film: "It will be released on June 25 in about 1,000 theaters. IFC Entertainment is putting up 25 percent of the theatrical distribution costs, which could range from $8 million to $10 million, said executives involved in the deal. Showtime, which already has a deal in place with Lions Gate, will show the film on pay cable.

Big studios like Warner Brothers and Paramount shied away from distributing the film, according to several people close to the negotiations. Focus Features, the Universal studio owned by General Electric, was heavily involved in the bidding, but Robert C. Wright, G.E.'s vice chairman, was called to ensure there would not be a conflict, they said.

Ultimately, the Weinsteins struck a deal with Lions Gate, a studio based in Canada that has distributed Miramax movies that have proved controversial in the past.

Jon Feltheimer, the chief executive of Lions Gate, said: "We're distributing this movie because we think it's a good movie, and a good piece of business. We don't shy away from those kinds of controversies, but we're certainly sensitive to it."

Press Release: ``Fahrenheit 9/11'' to Open Nationally on June 25th

``Fahrenheit 9/11'' to Open Nationally on June 25th: "'This is a true coalition,' said Harvey and Bob Weinstein. 'The passion that Lions Gate, IFC Films and Showtime have demonstrated reflects our desire to enable Michael Moore's extraordinary work to be viewed by as many filmgoers as possible as soon as possible.'
The Weinsteins have initiated an alliance with several key industry players. It is anticipated that other names will shortly be added to the coalition as partnerships on other distribution avenues are announced.
'Michael Moore is a brilliant creative talent, and we are honored to handle his latest film,' said Lions Gate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. 'Lions Gate is a natural home for `Fahrenheit 9/11'. Michael, along with Harvey and Bob Weinstein, have invested tremendous passion in this powerful and riveting film, and we are confident that we can match their passion and ingenuity in distributing it to a national audience. We are delighted to join with IFC to maximize the theatrical potential of `Fahrenheit 9/11', which promises to be one of this year's seminal cinematic events.'
'Everyone at IFC Films is thrilled to be working again with Michael Moore. Michael's is one of the most important voices speaking today, and IFC Films is an ideal home for Michael and `Fahrenheit 911',' stated IFC Entertainment President Jonathan Sehring. 'Ten years ago, IFC established its reputation by providing independent film makers with a strong voice for their most personal projects. It is IFC's belief that such passion projects have always taken an important historic role in encouraging debate and being a catalyst for differences of opinion. The united team of IFC Films, Lions Gate, Harvey and Bob creates a solid and balanced partner" Lions Gate Films Press Release (PDF)

Variety.com - '9/11' gets tag-team deal

Variety.com - '9/11' gets tag-team deal: "Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' has landed a domestic distribution deal in time to spark plenty of July 4 and pre-election fireworks. Palme D'Or winner will be released June 25, on at least 500 U.S. screens through a joint venture between Lions Gate Films, IFC Films and Harvey and Bob Weinstein's Fellowship Adventure Group"

Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" finds domestic distributor

MLive.com - NewsFlash: "By GARY GENTILE
The Associated Press
6/1/04 9:03 PM
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Michael Moore's award-winning documentary 'Fahrenheit 9/11' has picked up a U.S. distributor and will hit theaters June 25.

The film will be released by a partnership of Lions Gate Films, IFC Films and the Fellowship Adventure Group, which was formed by Harvey and Bob Weinstein specifically to market Moore's film.

"I am grateful to them now that everyone who wants to see it will now have the chance to do so," Moore said in a statement.

"On behalf of my stellar cast -- GW, Dick, Rummy, Condi and Wolfie -- we thank this incredible coalition of the willing for bringing 'Fahrenheit 9/11' to the people."

"

Mickey News - Censorship isn't Mickey Mouse stuff.

Mickey News - Censorship isn't Mickey Mouse stuff.: "Seeing the �invisible hand� holding up distribution of Michael Moore's new film is not a pretty sight.
If you're a liberal or a Michael Moore fan or even a cineophile (aren't they all the same thing?), you already know that you want to see his new film, 'Fahrenheit 9/11.'
And you know that since Michael Eisner, the head of Disney, wants to block its release, he must be a pig-headed ideologue or a gutless coward in some kind of ego-driven Hollywood snit or another tool of the right-wing conspiracy to control the media. Or all of the above.
But if you're a conservative, or a pro-business kind of person or an admirer of the Bush and bin Laden families (Moore's film links the two), then you probably figure, who cares? What's the fuss about? It's that fat guy again, ranting, and if Eisner doesn't want to run Moore's movie, well, that's his choice; he's head of the company. Free speech does not require any film company or publisher or TV channel to run stuff they don't want to run, so there!
Which is Eisner's position, roughly paraphrased."

Moore film could hit theaters soon

Moore film could hit theaters soon - Jun. 1, 2004: "Report says maker of controversial anti-Bush documentary anticipates June 25 or July 2 open.
June 1, 2004: 7:42 AM EDT

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Michael Moore's controversial documentary criticizing President Bush could be in theaters before the end of the month, according to published reports.
The trade publication Daily Variety reports that Moore was eyeing a June 25 or July 2 theatrical release date for the movie, 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' with a home-video release in October. But getting into theaters during those busy weekends at this late date will provide logistical challenges for the film's distributors, according to the report. "

-----------------
At first read, I wasn't going to post this story. But, since other news agencys are picking it up, here it is.

It appears that the CNN reporter didn't see the story yesterday in the Los Angeles Times about Lions Gate Films expecting to release F911 in late June or early July.

Apparently, the CNN story was based on this story on Variety Dot Com.

Is the LA Times story true? Is Lions Gate Films the US distributor for F911?

'Fahrenheit' has elder Bush boiling

New York Daily News - News & Views - Rush & Molloy: 'Fahrenheit' has elder Bush boiling: "The 41st President of the United States has stepped up to defend his son, the 43rd President of the United States, against 'slimeball' filmmaker Michael Moore.
'I have total disdain for Moore,' George H.W. Bush told us when we saw him at the T.J. Martell Foundation Awards gala, where he was honored along with Stevie Wonder and Dr. Daniel Vasella the other night.
'41' has heard enough about 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' Moore's documentary indictment of President Bush, to know 'it's a vicious attack on our son.
'It's a free country, so he's free to say whatever he wants,' the former Oval Officer went on. 'But I don't appreciate it. I don't like it.
'[My son] served with honor, and to get knocked down by this guy, ' he huffed. 'But you got to put up with it. That's what I'd say to [my son].'
We asked what he thought of Moore's use of the comment Barbara Bush made at the start of the Iraq war: 'Why should we hear about body bags, and deaths? ... Why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that? And watch [my son] suffer.'"

Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com

Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com: "'I have total disdain for Moore ... It's a free country, so he's free to say whatever he wants. But I don't appreciate it. I don't like it.'
--Former president GEORGE BUSH on MICHAEL MOORE and his film 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' which is critical of his son, President GEORGE W. BUSH, in the New York Daily News. The elder Bush also called Moore a 'slimeball.' "

Bogus Fahrenheit 911 Site Points To Bush Re-election Site - The Independent Film Weblog - indiefilm.weblogsinc.com

Bogus Fahrenheit 911 Site Points To Bush Re-election Site - The Independent Film Weblog - indiefilm.weblogsinc.com: "With the ink not yet dry on a deal to distribute the film, a new chapter in the saga of Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 911 has begun. When visited, the bogus website re-directs you to the official re-election site of president Bush. If they don't already know about it, odds are that Miramax co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein and Moore are going ballistic at the moment and summoning their phalanx of attorneys to grab the site back from the New York state man who did the deed. I have emailed the 'culprit,' if you will, and am waiting for a response to a few questions. Stay tuned! "

Scoop: Cannes winning film to make it�s NZ premiere

Scoop: Cannes winning film to make it�s NZ premiere: "Michael Moore�s Cannes winning film to make it�s NZ premiere at the Telecom New Zealand Film Festival.
Fahrenehit 9/11, the film that rocked the 57th Cannes Film Festival two weeks ago and scooped the ultimate prize � the Palme d�Or will make it�s New Zealand premiere at the Telecom New Zealand International Film Festival � screening simultaneously in Auckland and Wellington on 20th July.
Being able to finally screen the film as part of the film festival is a major coup. When asked how the Telecom New Zealand International Film Festival managed to secure screening Fahrenehit 9/11, Festival Director, Bill Gosden said �to be honest, it came down to being well connected and having tracked the film for a very long time�.
Not only is the Telecom New Zealand International Film Festival screening the top Cannes prize winner it will also screen runner up - Old Boy that won the Grand Prix du Jury. "

Moore's 9/11 Film May Be Released in Weeks

Moore's 9/11 Film May Be Released in Weeks: "Lions Gate Films is expected to release the provocative documentary 'Fahrenheit 9/11' in a matter of weeks, reports the LA Times.
Disney had blocked Miramax from distributing the movie, which is critical of President Bush's handling of terror threats and the Iraq war. Miramax Films founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein recently purchased the movie back from the studio.
Sources speaking to the Times revealed that if a distribution deal with Lions Gate was cut soon, the Cannes grand prize winner could run in as many as 1,000 U.S. theaters by late June or the first weekend in July. "

BEIJING: Michael Moore offers Berg interview to family

:: Xinhuanet - English ::: " BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhuanet) -- Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore interviewed Nick Berg, the American contractor beheaded in Iraq, for his latest film and has offered to show the footage to Berg's family before he would release it, a family spokesman said on Friday.
Bruce Hauser, the spokesman and Bergs' neighbor in West Chester, Pennsylvania, said Moore called him to confirm reports that the footage existed and that Moore wanted to send a copy to the Bergs for their approval before its release.
According to Monday's China Daily, The clip was made during the filming of 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' Moore's new movie attacking the Bush administration, which won this year's Palme d'Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. "

Opinion - Columbian: Serving Clark County, Washington

Opinion - Our Readers' Views:
Cinematic truth withheld

Michael Moore's film 'Fahrenheit 9/11' has won the prestigious Palme d'Or jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival in France. The documentary received an all-time record 20-minute standing ovation. It has been nearly 50 years since a documentary has won the Palme d'Or, and we can't see this film.

This film has been censored by Disney. This is not serving the public good to hide the criminal conduct of the Republican administration when the lives of our troops are being sacrificed every day on the altar of lies put out by the chicken hawks in Washington. How many more sons and daughters will have to die before John Kerry is elected, putting a stop to this madness?

Americans should insist the documentary 'Fahrenheit 9/11' be shown to the American people with no more censorship. The excuse that it might somehow effect the presidential election is precisely the point that this film raises. We can't let freedom of speech be trumped by the Patriot Act.
I want as much attention on the showing 'Fahrenheit 9/11' generated at the same level the Iraqi prisoner torture has brought. The truth must never be withheld from the America people. Our nation needs to get rid of the impostors in Washington, D.C., and get our country back.

Larry Little
Vancouver "

Moore’s persona sizzles amid ‘Fahrenheit’ flap

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

By Robert Denerstein
Scripps Howard News Service

In this corner, wearing the baseball cap and sporting what looks like a weeks worth of stubble, the heavyweight champion of big-screen populism: filmmaker Michael Moore.

And in the far corner, wearing pinstripes, mouse ears and carrying a ticket to Space Mountain, the challenger, Disney chief Michael Eisner.
OK, Moore and Eisner haven�t exactly climbed into the ring. But my bet is that at the moment, they�re not each other�s favorite people. Moreover, in the battle with Disney, gadfly Moore seems to be landing the best punches.

When the movie finally was shown recently at Cannes, it reportedly produced a 15-minute standing ovation, which might only confirm the obvious: At the moment, the French don’t love us.

Writing in the Village Voice, critic J. Hoberman said that the movie “is effective in undermining the Bush administration’s rationale for its invasion of Iraq, provocative in linking of the House of Bush to the House of bin Laden, and often devastating in its montage of official mistruths.”