Jackson Free Press

Here's the blog that has Jackson talking; originally posted June 19, 2004, this thread spawned a movement to bring "Fahrenheit 9/11" to Jackson. Now the energy has turned to bringing more independent film to the area. Read this thread to see how this grass-roots community effort came about. Be sure to support independent film (and media, and all local businesses, while you're at it). And join Crossroads Film Society if you're really interested in good indie film.

Click here to give your response to "Fahrenheit 9/11."

ORIGINALLY POSTED JUNE 19, 2004--Do you want to see "Fahrenheit 9/11"? Currently, the only theater in the entire state of Mississippi scheduled to show it is in Tupelo. If you'd like to see the film here in the state's capitol—regardless of your political leanings— click here to add your name to a petition to be presented to the theaters. You can aslo comment below or call the theaters and tell them you'd like it to show here. Phone numbers are listed below.

Alternet reports: "Worried that Moore's new film, Fahrenheit 9/11 -- fresh off its award-winning debut at Cannes and set to open in hundreds of theaters across the country on June 25 -- will be a political poison pill for the Bush campaign, conservatives have launched a preemptive strike aimed at discrediting Moore and bullying a number of big movie chains into not running the film.

"Even before its release, Moore's film had stirred up a fair amount of controversy. The back-story, while nothing like the hullabaloo surrounding Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, has nevertheless engendered its own drama, including a major freak-out by the Disney Corporation which under the bold leadership of Michael Eisner, refused to distribute the film.

Now, with distributors Lions Gate Films, IFC and Bob and Harvey Weinstein's newly formed Fellowship Adventure Group in place and committed to spending up to $10 million on marketing, a California-based group called Move America Forward, which claims its goal is "supporting America's war on terrorism," has launched a campaign to prevent Moore's film from being shown."

Previous Comments

ID

85077

Comment

More on the radical-right campaign to block the film: http://www.politicalstrategy.org/archives/000109.php

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-17T11:06:44-06:00

ID

85078

Comment

Nothing but questions from me... Haven't these people (in these situations) realized more controversy means more sales and prolonged hype? The author notes it... I figured, by now, this had been burned into the common sense of the modern mind regardless of conservative, liberal, or indie status. Even those that "disagree" will need to see the movie to establish that they "disagree" within their own minds and circles without risking absurdity -- though absurdity is often abundant in these circles. This is much like saying you do not like spinach while thinking it is an orange, furry animal served best with white wine. I am curious how many of those involved in protest (or have signed-on to protest) have seen screenings of the film? If so, I would appreciate comments from them explaining why they feel it is necessary to stifle Moore's right to free-speech. Why is it so dangerous? If it is misinformation, they should counter it with a documentary highlighting the beauty of Bush and his administration. If it is complete fallacy, Bush should have his lawyers contact Moore's. It is simple. Protests and pickets against something of this nature do nothing but make people look at what the protestors do not want them to see.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-17T15:27:29-06:00

ID

85079

Comment

To your point, Knol, legend has it that my father-in-law once gave an impassioned speech before the San Antonio city council, arguing that, if they wanted to ban certain music (which they did), they should really focus on banning the work of struggling, local musicians, since they really needed the publicity.

Author

kate

Date

2004-06-17T16:08:24-06:00

ID

85080

Comment

Y'all. Support needs to be shown for those theaters that do choose to encourage open debate (and make some serious jack in the process, no doubt) and run the film. So far, the only Mississippi theater listed as having the courage to do so is the Malco in Tupelo. They should receive some positive reinforcement for their choice. It could only help, too, in getting the film on more screens in the South. I've got contact info and details over at The Thorn Papers. Y'all come by.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-18T10:16:04-06:00

ID

85081

Comment

MoveOn PAC has posted the trailer for Michael Moore's new movie "Fahrenheit 9/11": http://www.moveonpac.org/f911/

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-18T12:32:01-06:00

ID

85082

Comment

I'd also love to see "Control Room" and "The Hunting of the President." Anyone know if these two films will be showing anywhere?

Author

kate

Date

2004-06-18T13:06:31-06:00

ID

85083

Comment

I'll poke around, Kate. But, while I have y'all here, has any checked out Gunner Palace? Pretty surreal. There's two clips for download there. Y'all should check it out.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-18T13:27:42-06:00

ID

85084

Comment

I support the right of any theater to show Fahrenheit 9/11, although I wouldn't want to force theaters to show it any more than I want to see people force them not to show it. Movie theaters ought not be forced to show films that they will lose money on. Having said that, Moore is one "progressive" who does not impress at all - mainly due to Roger & Me, which I saw over ten years ago. If you ask me, he came off as someone with an axe to grind, caricatures to paint, and an agenda to push rather than a serious investigative documentor. Even to this day, he still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Even today, it would take heroic pride-swallowing for me to see Bowling For Columbine - never mind its been out for a few years.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-21T10:15:19-06:00

ID

85085

Comment

Has anyone learned of a local (Jxn) cinema that will be showing this film? All I can find is a screen in Tupelo (home of the AFA, ironically). If Tupelo can get this film, knowing that bomb threats from angry AFA members are likely, CERTAINLY Jackson can and will... Right?

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-21T12:57:52-06:00

ID

85086

Comment

As far as I know, the one Malco screen in Tupelo is the only theater in the entire state of Mississippi willing to show the film. Maybe we need to pre-order tickets for thousands....a little profit motive is all these theater owners need..... The Thorn Papers Y'all come by now...

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-21T13:06:47-06:00

ID

85087

Comment

The Nationwide Listing of theaters showing Moore's film http://www.f911tix.com/

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-21T16:06:15-06:00

ID

85088

Comment

Tinseltown in Shreveport can show it -- but not in Jackson??? (Or, should I say Pearl.) Once again, it is assumed that Mississippians don't deserve, or want to be, in the cultural loop. We need to do something about this. Petition, anyone?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T16:08:57-06:00

ID

85089

Comment

That's it. The doc is showing in friggin' MONTGOMERY, ALA.??? And where the hell is Hoover, Ala.? And it's all over Tennessee.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T16:11:05-06:00

ID

85090

Comment

BTW, you'll notice that within the Middle South area, the list of cities of similar size to Jackson showing it include those Peoples Republics know as.....Shreveport! Baton Rouge! Mobile! Little Rock! Fayetteville! On top of that, even smaller cities like Jonesboro and Fort Smith will get it. Surprisingly, Huntsville won't get it either (which surprised me, given how highly educated and intellectually inclined the areas seems to be relative to the rest of Alabama). Take heart! If all these places can get it, Jackson can as well.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-21T16:14:16-06:00

ID

85091

Comment

We crossed posts, Philip. Totally agreed: the wheels are turning as we speak. Keep an eye out for updates.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T16:16:04-06:00

ID

85092

Comment

donna, my guess is it has less to do with the "cultural loop," and more with the folks who own the theaters in Jackson (and the rest of the state as well) and how they feel about the film itself. we need to organize busloads of folks, a la The Passion. That'll learn em.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-21T16:16:26-06:00

ID

85093

Comment

Actually, Mitch, I think that is precisely the problem with our "cultural loop" -- fear or the belief that we don't want to be in that loop. You're right, though: It is up to Jacksonians, and Mississippians as a whole, to show 'em. Get out the clipboard; you're in charge of the buses. ;-) Seriously, I'll see what I can find out. But it happens, I do expect to see the buses out front.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T16:19:21-06:00

ID

85094

Comment

well, who owns the theaters in Jackson? That would be interesting to know. If I remember correctly, there aren't all that many individual theaters citywide (though it's been many years since I've gone to the movies in Jackson)

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-21T16:22:57-06:00

ID

85095

Comment

Donna, I think Hoover is a Birmingham suburb. http://www.mapquest.com for all your "where is" needs

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-21T17:20:31-06:00

ID

85096

Comment

As if we did NOT have enough to worry about.....the CROWNING INSULT!!!!! F 9/11 is showing in EVERY metro area in...get this....WEST TEXAS!! If you want to know what West Texas is like attitude-wise, picture a semi-desert Mississippi whose chief minority is Hispanic rather than Black

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-21T17:35:27-06:00

ID

85097

Comment

I think Hoover is a Birmingham suburb. You mean, like Madison? Oh, man, that hurts. Hey, if Hoover can get the film, then you'd think Pearl handle it, hug? F 9/11 is showing in EVERY metro area in...get this....WEST TEXAS!! Argh. Pass the aspirin.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T17:42:22-06:00

ID

85098

Comment

Mitchwell, who owns the theaters in Jackson? That would be interesting to know. Philip You might try whatever state agency is in charge of registering businesses. I think, but not sure, the Secretary of State is responsible for that one. Perhaps whatever the state tax office is called will have them too...or any equivalent of the Department of Commerce as well.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-21T18:01:19-06:00

ID

85099

Comment

Donna-- When you said it was being shown in Montgomery, I had assumed that it was the Capri. They are showing Super Size Me in a little over a month though. I'm not familiar with Rave.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-21T18:18:05-06:00

ID

85100

Comment

well, who owns the theaters in Jackson? Forgive my snarkiness, but no one. All movie theaters are outside the Jackson city limits.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-21T18:25:29-06:00

ID

85101

Comment

Whoops, there is one exception-- the IMAX theater at the Planetarium.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-21T18:29:35-06:00

ID

85102

Comment

No prob, Ex. Snarkiness well placed. Just when in hell are we going to get some movie theaters back into the city? This is ridiculous. Would someone call Magic Johnson already? Todd was saying the abandoned K-Mart would be a great movie theater, as big-ass places go. Location would be pretty good.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T18:30:58-06:00

ID

85103

Comment

Ah, the IMAX. ;-D Of course, the city was chicken about putting "Without Sanctuary" in Smith Robertson, so I don't know if we'll be seeing Michael Moore at the Planetarium anytime soon. But it is a fun thought. BTW, the JFP commercial is previewing the current show there. Yes, we have a commercial for reasons I'm not sure any of us are clear on -- expect that our good friend and filmmaker Jared Hopkins wanted to use his skills on our behalf. And we are very appreciative of it. It's quite well done.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T18:34:17-06:00

ID

85104

Comment

that's something you need to post online, Donna.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-21T18:50:52-06:00

ID

85105

Comment

Here's what Michael Moore himself is saying about the efforts to keep Americans from seeing his film: We're a week away from the nationwide opening ofFahrenheit 9/11 and not a day goes by where we don't have some new battle to fight thanks to those who are still working overtime to keep people from seeing this film. What's their problem? Are they worried about something? A Republican PR firm has formed a fake grassroots front group called "Move America Forward" to harass and intimidate theater owners into not showing Fahrenheit 9/11. These are the same people who successfully badgered CBS into canceling the Reagan mini-series a few months ago. And they are spending a ton of money this week to threaten movie theaters who even think about showing our movie. As of this morning, a little over 500 theaters have agreed to show F9/11, opening next Friday, June 25. There are three national/regional theater chains who, as of today, have not booked the movie in their theaters. One theater owner in Illinois has reported receiving death threats. The right wing usually wins these battles. Their basic belief system is built on censorship, repression, and keeping people ignorant. They want to limit or snuff out any debate or dissension. They also don't like pets and are mean to small children. Too many of them are named "Fred." Read more

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-21T21:05:50-06:00

ID

85106

Comment

I really don't see what the fuss is about all this. If a theater does not want to show this film or if the community lets a theater know it doesn't want this film, so be it. It's not like the government is stepping in and telling theaters not to show it. Then there would be a problem. This is how this country works. If you don't like something, you bitch about it and try to change it. I think it is great when someone sees something they don't agree with and takes action (although death/ violence threats are a wee bit over the top) Pesonally, I think things are chugging right along when a group raises hell like when the NAACP boycotts South Carolina or the Jewish community raises hell about Gibson's film, or the Baptist boycott Disney, or the Moonies boycott the little guys you put on your dash board that moon people, or anytime one group puts the pressure on another group. To me that is politics at its basic level. Also, just to go ahead and corner the market on the winning argument, anyone who disagrees with me is a facist, racist, liberal, communist, cry baby, far right, jew hating,child porn loving, usama supporting relative of hitler.

Author

jimjam

Date

2004-06-21T23:57:29-06:00

ID

85107

Comment

To me that is politics at its basic level. I agree with you, JimJam. Speaking up, whether it is boycotting a business whose practices you don't agree with or petitioning for a film to come to town or a far-right organization's attempt to keep a piece of art out of public view or to outshout someone else's boycott, is part of what makes a community vibrant and America great. That's why it's confusing that you start your e-mail by asking commentators here are making "all the fuss"? Then you immediately answer your own question. The fuss is about making some noise to try to change something--like the assumption that all Mississippians are cut from the same political and cultural cloth. Otherwise, I don't think anyone commenting here so far has made any suggestion that this is government censorship or a violation of the First Amendment. Of course it isn't -- unless the government is involved in some way, or is backing Stephen Moore's group, which I certainly don't have any evidence of (I did used to edit his pieces for a political mag I worked foróa fact that is entirely irrelevant to this conversation). The dialogue here I think is very positive, which is about kicking up some dust to help bring a film that many people want to see to Jackson. About every other person who walked up to me at the JAM was asking if I knew anything about the film coming here. There is definitely a community out there that wants to see it. If they/we let the theater companies know about it, perhaps they'll bring it here. And that would be a very positive use of communication. "So be it" is seldom good enough in my view.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-22T00:06:55-06:00

ID

85108

Comment

jimjam, you may owe me a new keyboard. I just spit coffee, laughing at the "facist, racist, liberal, communist, cry baby, far right, jew hating,child porn loving, usama supporting relative of hitler."

Author

kate

Date

2004-06-22T08:20:30-06:00

ID

85109

Comment

I didn't know Hitler had any relatives... For another perspective on the Moore "documentary" Slate has a review online by Christopher Hitchens. "A film that bases itself on a big lie and a big misrepresentation can only sustain itself by a dizzying succession of smaller falsehoods, beefed up by wilder and (if possible) yet more-contradictory claims." Of course, I don't want to encourage people to see it in the movie theater - just wait until it's on HBO - less money for Mr. Moore. heh read it all at: http://slate.msn.com/id/2102723/

Author

Fielding

Date

2004-06-22T11:23:43-06:00

ID

85110

Comment

Tupelo? Yer kidding. Can't believe that's the only one.

Author

C.W.

Date

2004-06-22T12:51:55-06:00

ID

85111

Comment

As in Mississippi we here in Montana have one theatre showing Moore's film, the Wilma Theatre in Missoula, Montana. Missoula, in Western Montana, is the home of the University of Montana and about 570 miles from where I live in the NE corner of the state. Of course I could attend in one of the two theatres in North Dakota showing the film. That would cut the driving distance in half. Besides, y'all are lucky, you could visit the "King's" birthplace in Tupelo and make a doubly artistic day of it, Elvis by day, Michael by night.

Author

butterat

Date

2004-06-22T14:27:26-06:00

ID

85112

Comment

"Besides, y'all are lucky, you could visit the "King's" birthplace in Tupelo and make a doubly artistic day of it, Elvis by day, Michael by night." Or make a drive to one of the casinos (or Memphis) for drinks and great food! ;-) Tsk, tsk! And they say crime is running everyone from the city. I'm beginning to think it's the poor business being conducted by more than a handful of quasi-corporate businesses in the area.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-22T14:55:22-06:00

ID

85113

Comment

Fielding wrote: "For another perspective on the Moore 'documentary' Slate has a review online by Christopher Hitchens." We don't even have one perspective on the doc, Fielding -- we're not getting the film here, remember? ;-) Interesting that you're quoting Chrisopher Hitchens -- not someone I would imagine you would admire that much, beyond his support of the war on terrorism. I haven't followed in recent months how Mr. Hitchens has been justifying all the revelations of late about the Iraqi waróyou will recall that his recent notoriety resulted from publicity he got from bashing critics of this war; since he's been such a hardcore leftist, this got him a lot of attentionóbut I imagine he's had to get pretty creative even with all of his British smarts at his disposal. The war has not gone the way he predicted it would a year ago. And he does openly call himself a neo-con. And, for the record, his choice for president was John Edwards. I do admire his independent spirit, even if I think he's goes a bit far for attention sometimes. Did you happen to see his review of Gibson's "Passion of Christ" -- called "I Detest This Film -- With a Passion"? A sampling of that film review by Hitchens: "Along with the protracted torture comes a simple-minded but nonetheless bigoted version of the more questionable bits of the Gospels. It's boring all right - much of the film is excruciatingly tedious - but it also manages to be extraordinarily nasty. Gibson claims that the Holy Ghost spoke through him in the directing of this movie, and that everything in it is from the Bible. I very much doubt the first claim, and I can safely say that the second one is false."[...] "So my advice is this. Do not go. Leave it to the sickoes who like this sort of thing, and don't fill the pockets of the sicko who made it."

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-22T15:20:28-06:00

ID

85114

Comment

any chance we'll get this in jackson? TUPELO is getting it for christsake! Has anyone called to say "yes we want it"??

Author

jp!

Date

2004-06-22T15:33:01-06:00

ID

85115

Comment

i cannot find the phone numbers for our local theatres, cept for the movie listings recording.

Author

jp!

Date

2004-06-22T15:43:01-06:00

ID

85116

Comment

Some say that the attendance at Gibson's film was inflated by viewing by the SM crowd.

Author

butterat

Date

2004-06-22T15:51:46-06:00

ID

85117

Comment

Now, re Moore. I'm not a big fan of his as a personóbut he says a lot of what needs to be said. I hate when he stretches the truth to fit his premise -- especially because he usually doesn't have to. I find myself wishing he didn't have to be the messinger on these things that need to be said and known, but on the other hand, he's about the only one who has the balls -- and the ability to get the word on -- on so much of this information that is routnely squelched by corporate media. I suspect he doesn't surround himself with enough people to give him good advice on when not to go too far -- his ego is probably too large to take advice, although I'm guessing, of course. I'm meandering here, but my point is that I don't know anyone who thinks Moore is a saint or the perfect messinger for tough messages. You can't turn the world into people who adore Michael Moore and those who don't. Like most of us, he and his work are complicated and don't fix into the easy boxes that politicians and corporate media try to place us in. That is, you can want to see his film in your hometown and still be critical of how he presents his messages -- even as the messages themselves (or the footage or whatever) is important to see and consider. That's my take, anyway, having not seen this film. (And pretty much captures what I thought of "Bowling for Columbine," which turned out to be much better and more complex than I thought, Phillip.) Here's a piece from an alt-press brother in Salt Lake that is pretty interesting about Moore. I tend to find that the alt-press is probably quicker than anyone to be analytical about Moore and him films -- probably we're not slave to the current headlines or dogma-du-jour. http://www.altweeklies.com/gyrobase/AltWeeklies/Story?oid=oid%3A136268

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-22T15:52:06-06:00

ID

85118

Comment

I've been in Mississippi too long. I keep reading butterat as "Butter Rat" instead of "Butte Rat." I'm not sure what a butter rat is, but it sounds southern.

Author

kate

Date

2004-06-22T17:23:15-06:00

ID

85119

Comment

i agree kate.

Author

jp!

Date

2004-06-22T17:49:05-06:00

ID

85120

Comment

everyone with ANY opinion on this subject owes it to themselves to watch this interview from the today show. as important a topic as any. http://entertainment.msn.com/movies/movie.aspx?m=561592&mp=p>1=3584

Author

jp!

Date

2004-06-22T18:10:37-06:00

ID

85121

Comment

Butte Rats are natives of Butte, Montana, or as we often refer to it Butte, America. The alternative was to call ourselves Buttians. As people from a melting pot mining and decidedly liberal culture we are not universally loved by the generally agrarian conservative rest of the state. With no prejudice against butter rats intended. A Butte Rat.

Author

butterat

Date

2004-06-22T18:51:49-06:00

ID

85122

Comment

Just read the Slate article where moore plans to sue those that trash his film. I hope he is joking. Personally I think it's just another move to promote the film. (not a bad one either) BTW, Butterat, I 've only heard of "R. Kelly do do butta" on Chappelle's show.

Author

jimjam

Date

2004-06-22T20:13:12-06:00

ID

85123

Comment

Read a New Yorker piece about Michael Moore: Comedy and populism combine in Moore to produce a political force of especial potency, ridicule knocking down what anger leaves upright. They work together beautifully because they follow the same laws. The populist champions the man who works with his hands, with real stuff, against the one who works with his head. Populists are not revolutionariesóeven left-wing ones are conservative, in the literal sense of the word. Revolution is an abstraction, an intellectual idea; populists want to return to roots, to basic values, to solid thingsóto the way things were before intellectuals and financiers corrupted them. Comedy, too, is on the side of the body and against the soul. It mocks hubris, affectation, and hypocrisy, but it also mocks originality, utopianism, and earnestness. It takes the point of view that, in the end, we are just bodies, eating, defecating, and copulating, and everything else is pretentious rubbish. [...] n the past three years Moore has become a political hero as well. People revere him. After he gave a speech at last yearís Oscars denouncing President Bush and the Iraq war, he received many letters from soldiers thanking him for opening their eyes to the lies of the government and for confirming their view that they are fighting for a country where dissent is embraced. ìMr. Moore, you are America,î one wrote. [...] Moore is of the left, but it is also important to him that he is mainstream. He wants to change things, and he knows that to do so he must prove to his followers that they are the majority. He always emphasizes that most Americans agree with him on matters like gay rights, abortion rights, the environment, and the war in Iraq, whether or not they call themselves liberals. He tells people to vote. He tells them to take over their local Democratic partyóso few people go to the meetings, he says, that if you show up with fifteen friends you can institute a Green agenda without much opposition. He asks people to spend a weekend next October in one of the congressional districts where the race promises to be close, handing out flyers. [...] His influence is extraordinary. His third book, ìStupid White Menî (2001), a diatribe against rich people, white people, dumb people, men, Israel, and North Korea, among other things, was on the Times best-seller list for fifty-nine weeks and sold more than four million copies worldwide." There's much more; it's a long, interesting piece about his background.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-22T22:47:08-06:00

ID

85124

Comment

Hey, Butte Rat, I've been to Butte. I liked it there, although I wasn't there long. Beautiful country y'all live in. Welcome to Jackson, so to speak. And don't mind my cohorts here; they just want to show off their southernness. And we wouldn't know anything about an "agrarian conservative rest of the state." ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-22T23:19:29-06:00

ID

85125

Comment

Who all has called the local theaters? I called them all.... Most said, "Alot of people have called." ...Still, none are showing it. Is this some bizaree Floridian politics? I want my "butterfly' counted! How the hell, as a pink como, am I supposed to vote without it? ;

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-22T23:47:49-06:00

ID

85126

Comment

Uh, oh: Sounds like the wingnuts are trying to make this a constitutional issue after all -- asking the FEC to censor the film!?! What goobers. They are going to singlehandedly assure that every American sees this thing. On Salon right now: "They're back! OK, the "vast right-wing conspiracy" Hillary Clinton warned about never really went away. But they've found new purpose in the campaign to stop the distribution of "Fahrenheit 9/11," Michael Moore's latest documentary. And just as the energetic conservative elves succeeded in making Bill Clinton ever more popular with the American public, so do they seem to be driving up public interest in Moore's film, which is expected to have the biggest opening for a documentary film ever, in a scheduled 888 theaters. The convergence between the anti-Clinton and anti-Moore movements is personified by the tireless David Bossie, whose Citizens United made headlines savaging the president in the late 1990s. It's been a big week for Bossie and Citizens United. First they were busy producing anti-Clinton ads to run during the former president's star turn Sunday night on "60 Minutes," while Bossie was scurrying to cable studios to denounce the memoir "My Life" and promote his new book, "Intelligence Failure: How Clinton's National Security Policy Set the Stage for 9/11." Then Bossie scheduled a Wednesday press event in front of the Federal Election Commission, where he will demand that the commission take some sort of unspecified action to regulate the screening of "Fahrenheit 9/11" -- presumably because of the anti-Bush documentary's power to influence the coming presidential election. "Documents will be hand delivered to several government agencies immediately following the media briefing," the group's press release soberly states.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-23T01:06:36-06:00

ID

85127

Comment

First, I guess I should translate my sleepy ramblings from last night. I called all the theaters. All said they've received many calls... None are showing it. It would seem many people are voicing that they want to see it but are not being heard (at this point). And as a pink, commie, homo how am I supposed to vote without my proper dose of leftist propaganda? Never type while groggy... It won't read the same the next morning! ;-) Anyway, that Salon piece struck home. It would seem the documentary is facing the same crazy, book-burning attitude of the extremists in "Farenheit 451." We can't have the people thinking for themselves, can we? On this same thread, has anyone seen this? (Link) The movie was rated R for ìviolent and disturbing images and for language.î The images include an Iraqi man tossing a dead baby into a truckload of bodies, Iraqis burned by napalm and a public beheading in Saudi Arabia. Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Films, had argued to the appeals board that 15- and 16-year-olds should be free to see the film on their own because they could end up in military service in Iraq in the next few years. ìI hope the R rating doesnít have a large impact on the box office,î Ortenberg said. ìIíve spoken with many parents, including some on the appeals board, who absolutely said they are going to take their children to see the film. Weíll just have to hope the teenagers weíre encouraging to see this picture find their way in through parents or adult guardians.î

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-23T08:20:21-06:00

ID

85128

Comment

It is amazing that the capital city of Mississippi isn't scheduled to get the film. (Or, I should say the capital suburbs, as Ex would point out correctly.) I wonder if we're the only state whose capital city isn't in line for it, yet. I don't have time to check the map, but if anyone feels so compelled ... ;-) The funny thing is, you could see the distributors assuming that everyone in Mississippi is too illiterate to even know about the film. I suppose that's why it's a good idea to make some noise about it. Do you have the phone numbers at your fingertips, Knol, that reach actual people and not just recordings? Folks looking at the site might want to call and request the film. If they think it's going to make them money -- which I'd guess it will -- perhaps it'll make a difference.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-23T10:57:09-06:00

ID

85129

Comment

Tinseltown Office: 601-936-5856 Email: [email][email protected][/email] UA Northpark 14 Office: 601-957-7930 UA Parkway Place 10 Office: 601-939-0201 UA Clinton 10 Office: 601-924-2279 I double-checked that these were the offices (no recordings answered) but, if, by mistake, I listed the wrong number let me know and I will list the other numbers I have for them. It would be wise to wait until after 12 since most theaters are not open early during weekdays.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-23T11:09:34-06:00

ID

85130

Comment

This is yet another reason why those rumors about the Capri need to become reality. Wouldn't it be great to see 'Saved!' and 9/11 (among so many other films that never make it to the big-box cinemas) in our own "little New York"? ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-23T11:19:14-06:00

ID

85131

Comment

Knol, Thanks for the addresses, I just emailed tinseltown for starters. will possibly drive to New Orleans to see it this weekend, but I'll see it again if it shows up here, by any long chance. Does freedom of expression include freedom to see expressions? guess not. Unless you can afford to drive a long way.

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-23T14:08:46-06:00

ID

85132

Comment

i posted tinseltown's number on friendster last week, and called them twice. i don't really have too much hope for regal/UA, but seeing on the moore site that some other tinseltowns are scheduled to open it friday, i thought MAYBE... the consensus last week from the two managers i spoke with was basically muddy confusion, yeah, we'll see, etc... i called back about an hour ago and another guy informed me that their corporate office had told them, in no uncertain terms, that we wouldn't be getting it. i politely protested, explaining that shreveport and other small-ish cities were getting it, and that several other cinemark venues were getting it, and how come we aren't?? the response was something along the lines of 'it's a limited release, only 500 or so prints were made.' the guy was nice, and sounded like he'd probably have wanted to see it. but don't despair. i'm not. keep calling. if the predictions are correct, this thing is going to be huge. they'll bring it here eventually. we've gotten some other surprising films in the past (dirty pretty things, city of god) i've also been trying to get ahold of someone at cinemark's corporate office (in plano, tx) but the menu is maddening. all options lead to dead-ends or voicemail. but GET THIS::: the first option given states "If you are interested in scheduling a private screening of 'The Passion of the Christ' please press 6." HUH??? something stinks around here. stay on 'em.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-23T14:33:25-06:00

ID

85133

Comment

sounds like cinemark and regal corporate offices need to be contacted. the fellow i talked to at Northpark said they make the programing decisions. we'll see.

Author

jp!

Date

2004-06-23T15:51:53-06:00

ID

85134

Comment

"If you are interested in scheduling a private screening of 'The Passion of the Christ' please press 6." That made my day! Thanks Jay! ;-) I'm curious if a private showing of 9/11 could be arranged? Certainly someone in this city (hint hint) has some contacts to make something happen!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-23T16:50:48-06:00

ID

85135

Comment

oh yeah. if you want to contact cinemark's corporate hq, hit em here: 1-800-CINEMARK.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-23T17:22:26-06:00

ID

85136

Comment

private showing, great idea! might require a fairly large venue actually. let's contact MM and see about it , perhaps he would even visit to make a point. just a thought. meanwhile, besides the article mentioned earlier, there are two reviews at salon.com that are fun to read, until we can actually see it for ourselves. it's controversial even within the leftish folk, we do not follow blindly.

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-23T17:24:02-06:00

ID

85137

Comment

e-mail sent to michaelmoore.com itself!!!! thought you'd enjoy it First, I want to come clean and say that on the whole, I disagree with Mr. Moore a CONSIDERABLE portion of the time. On the other hand, I firmly believe in freedom of speech. As you can tell in the title, Jackson Mississippi will not be showing F/911. To see it, one must drive to Tupelo, New Orleans, Memphis, or Shreveport Louisiana. According to the this site's link F 9/11almost every other metropolitan area between Texas and Georgia in Jackson's size category (250 to 500K total population). Mobile, AL Montgomery, AL Pensacola, FL Baton Rouge, LA Shreveport, LA Little Rock, AR Fayetteville, AR Furthermore, the film is shown in almost all metros (smaller than 250K people) in Tennessee, northern Arkansas, and western Texas. Question: Given that Jackson is both the capital and largest city in the state of Mississippi, and especially given that a Tupelo theater will show F9/11(it's not even a metropolitan area!!) -- doesn't this make you wonder why the film is not showing in Jackson?? Doesn't this look even more suspicious given the rather long list of similarly sized cities surrounding Mississippi will show it??? The Jackson Free Press message board (the city's alternative newspaper, and an AAN member) has talked of this very matter. You can see the posts in all their glory at this link. http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=3220_0_27_0_C to further evaluate the issue for yourself. I'm sure Mr. Moore will find this pretty interesting. Yours Truly, Philip

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-23T17:49:32-06:00

ID

85138

Comment

this just warms my heart, y'all. Phillip, please let us know if you get a response.....

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-23T17:52:30-06:00

ID

85139

Comment

Good Lord, you mean the great state of Mississippi theatre owners joined together once again and banned a WIDE RELEASE movie ?! Who would have thought !? They wonder why we always catch a movie when we are in New Orleans. I like what you guys are doing above. Its not like they think it wont make money here. Sure it may not make the money that a pro-Christian movie makes, but come' on. The commercial I heard on TV was it was starting this weekend in theatres "EVERYWHERE" (ie. we will have any number of prints available that you want). Oh, by the way, I've talked to the Planetarium folks about films they show. They are not IMAX. They can show "large format films that are under 55 minutes in length." (like 70 mm or scaled down Imax) Their machine will not play actual (the even larger) IMAX films. The platter they have will not hold more than 60 minutes of large format film. If the city/state bought them a larger platter they could show large format full length movies.

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-23T20:13:10-06:00

ID

85140

Comment

Mitch, Your prayer (if you care to call it that) is answered. I got a response from the site. Here it goes: Hi Philip, You should contact your local theater and let them know. Lion's Gate & IFC are trying to get it as wide as possible. My sister is in [town's name deleted] and is having to drive to Memphis, so i know how you're feeling. Also, i appreciate and thank you for your interest in the film despite your disagreements. I will pass along your note to the distribution people, and hopefully we can get it there. But, i would encourage you and the people posting at the alt paper board to contact your local theaters. thanks. d.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-24T00:16:03-06:00

ID

85141

Comment

actually the guy at the northpark theatre said they'd likely have NO PROBLEM if we wanna get some folks together to have a screenging of the movie. hear that JFP? can we get something together?

Author

jp!

Date

2004-06-24T00:32:53-06:00

ID

85142

Comment

I think a special screening would be great (if only a one-time limited showing). Here's the e-response from Tinseltown/Cinemark: Dear Knol We are not showing Michael Moore 's Farenheit 9/11 this coming week. Thank Clay # 274 Anyone care to ponder "this coming week"?

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-24T09:36:31-06:00

ID

85143

Comment

perhaps the greedy so and so's are waiting to see the stunning box office numbers before they can sacrifice their conservative principles. because, as is continually publicly revealed, the greatest of these is greed.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-24T09:42:33-06:00

ID

85144

Comment

wow, things are looking better and better. let's keep this ball rolling. I am sure there are enough people for a private showing, even on short notice. quite a few here from Vicksburg for sure.

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-24T09:54:13-06:00

ID

85145

Comment

Guys, I'm about to setup a database to hold a list of names and email addresses for interested individuals that will pay to see F9/11. We need some concrete numbers to prove there is at least interest for one private showing. Will notify everyone once it's up and hope you are all willing to send it to everyone on your lists. The only thing shared with anyone will be the first names of individuals but last name and email addresses will be required for future contact. Donna, we may want to talk more about how to put such a list to work!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-24T10:02:04-06:00

ID

85146

Comment

Or to look at it another way, the limited release is creating buzz for the movie. I would also think that if the box office is pretty decent for a documentary, then there will be more theaters showing Fahrenheit 9/11. Also, JP, Knol, Mitch et al, I would speculate that Northpark (since JP mentioned them, I'll use it as the example here) wouldn't mind a preview to: (1) gauge what kind of support there would be for the movie; (2) generate some pre-release publicity. It seems like Jackson-area theaters traditionally at least based on my observation haven't shown limited release movies the first week they've been available.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-24T10:06:10-06:00

ID

85147

Comment

I tell you, JFP readers rock. To put your minds at ease, we're working this end, too, but I don't want to get people's hopes up, or such, until I know more. I assure you, y'all will be the first to know. ;-) Meantime, though, keep doing everything that you're doing, so we can show interest for the film. And, frankly, I do think this will help us in the future. I wouldn't be too quick to diss the theater owners; the fact is, many have tried to show edgier films in the past and not gotten a turn-out. So we need to take responsibility for that end, so they feel they can bring better films here and get an audience.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-24T10:20:21-06:00

ID

85148

Comment

more on Moore at the Thorn Papers. The FEC is trying to ban advertising for the film after July 30.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-24T11:20:46-06:00

ID

85149

Comment

ummm....that link above is a bit off. This one will get you to the information...... need more coffee peas. mc

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-24T12:35:48-06:00

ID

85150

Comment

John Fund of the WSJ also opines on the FEC ruling, "Six members of the Federal Election Commission will meet in Washington today to decide whether it's legal for Michael Moore to advertise his Bush-bashing "Fahrenheit 9/11" film on TV or radio without breaking federal law. "According to an opinion by the FEC's legal counsel, the movie's producer, Lions Gate Films, should be prohibited from running ads for "Fahrenheit" after July 30 because the McCain-Feingold campaign law prohibits any corporation (with a narrow exception for the news media) from running ads that even identify a candidate for president or Congress within 30 days of a primary election and within 60 days of a general election. Because Mr. Moore has publicly said the film is designed to defeat George W. Bush, there's no way it could be construed as other than a political effort. "Congressional members who voted for McCain-Feingold's restrictions on the First Amendment were no doubt assured that broad exemptions would exist for political speech. They were wrong. The FEC counsel's opinion is quite pointed in noting that the 2003 Supreme Court opinion upholding McCain-Feingold made clear that "the media exemption was 'narrow' and drew a distinction between 'corporations that are part of the media industry' as opposed to 'other corporations that are not involved in the regular business of imparting news to the public.'" Print and broadcast companies with news divisions meet the exemption standard; documentary film companies do not. "No one knows how the FEC will deal with this hot potato at its meeting today but the fact that the proposed muzzling of Michael Moore is on the agenda at all should be cause for concern. David Broder, the Washington Post columnist who championed the McCain-Feingold campaign reform law for years, has finally admitted it is unworkable. What the legal opinion of the FEC's general counsel proves is that it's also potentially dangerous to our freedoms. " well said...

Author

Fielding

Date

2004-06-24T13:40:43-06:00

ID

85151

Comment

The Hill is a good source for this type information, and they have a good story on the FEC debate. "Michael Moore may be prevented from advertising his controversial new movie, ìFahrenheit 9/11,î on television or radio after July 30 if the Federal Election Commission (FEC) today accepts the legal advice of its general counsel." You can read it all at: http://www.thehill.com/news/062404/moore.aspx

Author

Fielding

Date

2004-06-24T14:00:51-06:00

ID

85152

Comment

that's where I'd first seen it too, Fielding.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-24T14:13:53-06:00

ID

85153

Comment

What strike me is what a cynical, and un-American, use this would be of the campaign-finance laws, even if you can find a legal loophole to justify it. In effect, the way I read it, they are trying to use a law meant to make the election process more transparent for the American people as a way to keep a work of art, no matter what its political leaning, from being promoted to individual Americans. I can't imagine that people who love freedom, and want this country to be a model for other countries, will stand for such a twisted use of law to, ultimately, inhibit speech. If they do, we're in bigger trouble than I thought.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-24T14:29:53-06:00

ID

85154

Comment

strikes I've been the typo queen, of late.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-24T14:31:04-06:00

ID

85155

Comment

There is a general rule I use to make a judgement on a proposed law or regulation - that the bureacracy will use that law or reg to the furthest extent possible, and then a little bit further. I have thought the McCain/Feingold campaign finance "reform" law was unconstitutionally broad from the time it was being debated. Yes, yes , I know that the Supreme Court stated it was appropriately constitutional, I just disagree. I'm not an atty, so I can't give you a legal rationale for overturning it, it just seems to me that political speech should be the least restricted speech of all types of speech - even if you disagree with its premise, political speech - no matter the contect - should be heard in the public arena. The key phrase above is in the WSJ piece, "No one knows how the FEC will deal with this hot potato at its meeting today but the fact that the proposed muzzling of Michael Moore is on the agenda at all should be cause for concern." Mark my words, there will be more examples of over-reaching of this "reform" law by the bureacracy in the future. As a final aside, I know my spelling is oftimes horrific - thanks for your patience... heh

Author

Fielding

Date

2004-06-24T14:52:27-06:00

ID

85156

Comment

I agree with you: "political speech" should be protected, regardless of message. Where we probably differ is on what is considered "political speech" -- to me, untold millions from corporate donors, especially when it's not disclosed who is giving it as we've so often seen in this state, is in no stretch of the imagination "speech." As Nader said last week in Jackson, corporations do not have constitutional rights. The Constitution is about protecting the rights of individuals. Of people. Not the rights of the majority, but of one single person. I am much more concerned about the right of one single itty-bitty citizen to know who is funding political campaign, than I am the right of a mega-corporation to buy elections. I call that influence-peddling, not speech. And I don't care who is doing it -- from the UAW to George Soros to the U.S. Chamber.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-24T16:12:36-06:00

ID

85157

Comment

All, as noted, I have created a database to hold names and emails of people interested in viewing this film. It would be great if we could collect a large number of intereted people to present to one or all local theaters either for a special viewing or to have it featured on a screen. I have dubbed this fiasco "Fahrenheit 601 -- the area code at which expression burns." I feel so dang creative on my lunch breaks. ;-) Go to http://www.faultyminds.com/911/ to store your info. Of course, no one will have access to this information other than myself and the JFP for this specific purpose and NO OTHER. So, don't worry about spam or your name/email being used by the extreme right for torture purposes and witch burning. ;-) Please forward the link along to anyone that would be interested in seeing this film. 300+ participants would be a great goal to strive for... *Casey, how 'bout you post it on Friendster and the Collective list as well?

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-24T16:50:52-06:00

ID

85158

Comment

Fahrenheit 601?! That's hilarious, Knol. Good work. Maybe Ray Bradbury will get mad at us, too. ;-) (We should be so lucky.) I'll put the word out to my list asap. Phillip, make sure your contact over at michaelmoore.com sees Knol's handiwork. I can't imagine that we can't scare up 300 e-mail addresses in no time. Y'all rock.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-24T16:59:06-06:00

ID

85159

Comment

Lets invite Micahel here for a Screening--I'm sure he'll like to come to Trent Lott Country--good publicity. Everyone go to MichaelMoore.com and send him an email inviting him--should be fun:)

Author

MrBill

Date

2004-06-24T17:50:13-06:00

ID

85160

Comment

ok. if y'all in Jackson get a private screening, i want an invite. especially if we can shine some media light.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-24T17:52:16-06:00

ID

85161

Comment

Mr. Bill, that'd be great! Still, he'd need a golf cart like the Pope's here in NRA-land. ;-) Does anyone have a bullet-proof golf cart to properly transport Mr. Moore around the Metro?

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-24T17:52:32-06:00

ID

85162

Comment

This whole sorry censorship saga goes in the "Are you fu@#$ing kidding me?" file. FWIW, I used to work at the headquarters of Common Cause in DC... Common Cause was the driving force behind the McCain-Feingold law (I actually worked for the guy who drafted the law, although I worked on a completely different project), and I was there during the heat of that battle. I remember thinking that, as much as I support campaign finance reform, that there might be some unintended consequences to Mc-F, and that it could be twisted for nefarious purposes. Guess it could.

Author

Scott Albert Johnson

Date

2004-06-24T18:01:44-06:00

ID

85163

Comment

i'm equally maddened that we don't have the film opening in jackson, but i don't think conservative mississippi is the culprit in this case. our local theatre managers are not the folks that decide what comes here... regional administration does. and they're only looking at zip codes. since all of our theatres are outisde of the jackson zip code, we get left out because clinton and pearl and ridgeland don't have the numbers to supposedly support indie films. i hope that local management will take an interest in the indie film lovers, and fight for more diverse cinema in our city. they know their audience comes from all over the jackson metro area! certainly regal theatres have benefitted from independent cinema in jackson. they support the crossroads film festival, so they know that people fill seats for lesser known films. on occassion, they bring indie films in (more than tinseltown does, in fact) and i hope get a decent reponse. i'm not sure how we make a difference and help them understand that we have a supportive community, but i have made a small effort by calling the regional regal office to get some advice/answers from the folks that help us secure the theatre for the festival (i work with the film fest as well as the miss. film office). no one has responded yet. but i'll keep y'all posted if i hear anything. the best thing we can all do is keep badgering the theatres, i suppose.

Author

Nina

Date

2004-06-24T18:39:50-06:00

ID

85164

Comment

This is just an idea, but is there any way Flashback Video could do a screening? Maybe if they worked directly with Michael Moore's people, they could get a DVD and show it on a big TV? I don't know how film distribution works, but I bet it would be a big coup for Flashback (and I would love to see them get some good PR anyway).

Author

Scott Albert Johnson

Date

2004-06-24T19:59:26-06:00

ID

85165

Comment

You're right, Nina: We shouldn't jump to conclusions about motives, but we should push to show that we want to see the film here to overcome whoever is putting up the roadblock. Someone just pointed out in an e-mail to me that it could be Michael Moore himself assuming that we're just not interested (kind of like the Democratic Party). Whoever is responsible, though, for believing that the capitol city of Jackson should not get this film is dead wrong, and we need to prove it. Hell, maybe this is a chance to show that we will support indy film in general if they'll starÜ bringing it. Fact is, there's a serious cultural movement going on here, and they might be surprised if they give us a chance. After all, about everyone I know has gone to see "Saved!" That says something. Thanks for the effort on your end, Nina. We're starting to really kick up some dirt, figuring it's a chance to make that point that Mississippi isn't a homogenous wasteland not interested in popular and political culture.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-24T20:46:58-06:00

ID

85166

Comment

Perhaps I'm pulling another Disney-Florida-Disney-World-Jeb-Bush-like theory out of my arse, but is there any sort of objection to the film itself or comment from Mr. Barbour (I still refuse to believe he is governor, and NO, I'M NOT AFRAID OF HATING HIM!... all hostility out) about the possible fears he has seeing his biggest supporter exposed in F9/11? I understand that he has little or nothing to do with the lack of movie release around here (as it goes how Jackson actually has no movie theaters), but maybe it would start a political wildfire as he himself as Bush's (not so) secret right-hand man would be under question. [Considering putting up flyers of F9/11 and posting the Fahrenheit 601 website to get more names... it's our choice to see it, so let's get 'em started!]

Author

Ali

Date

2004-06-24T23:09:40-06:00

ID

85167

Comment

Wow... didn't think that the Irish pronunciation of the a-word for "rear" would be censored. Pretty in-depth, eh?

Author

Ali

Date

2004-06-24T23:11:11-06:00

ID

85168

Comment

Hey guys. My name is Dustin, and I live in Hattiesburg. Today I went by one of our local theatres and asked about them showing F/911. "Will you be showing Fahrenheit 9/11 this week?" The clerk shook her head. "Will you ever be showing Fahrenheit 9/11?" "..No." I'm only seventeen and I know about eight kids my age who are in H'burg and are interested in seeing the movie. I JUST got back from Austin, Texas and I don't think I have the nerve to drive all the way to Tupelo. Is there anyway you could add our theatre's name to the petition? Here's some information on theatres in Hattiesburg: United Artists Turtle Creek 9 1000 Turtle Creek Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Cloverleaf Cinema 5912 US Hwy 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 O'Neil Theatres - Broadacres Cinema 4000 Highway 49 North, Hattiesburg, MS I'm not sure if you guys want the petition limited to the Jackson metro area or not; if so, that's cool. I'd just really like to get the film around here. I know a lot of people who would, too. Thanks a lot.

Author

dustin

Date

2004-06-25T03:14:13-06:00

ID

85169

Comment

Why I should not blog while drinking coffee: "Perhaps I'm pulling another Disney-Florida-Disney-World-Jeb-Bush-like theory out of my a***, but is there any sort of objection to the film itself or comment from Mr. Barbour (I still refuse to believe he is governor, and NO, I'M NOT AFRAID OF HATING HIM!... all hostility out) " Again, coffee up the nose due to laughter. This blog is amazing. Now, everyone here better be sure to VOTE in November. If we can get this worked up over a movie, then I KNOW I'll see you all in the voting booths come November.

Author

kate

Date

2004-06-25T08:29:19-06:00

ID

85170

Comment

Hello everyone- great comments and suggestions thus far. I agree with Ali and Nina in that we should put up flyers around the city and keep on calling theatre management [at all levels- local, corporate, etc]. Also, perhaps a petition should be printed in the next issue of JFP for maximum exposure. I will be happy to place flyers/petitions around the Millsaps campus and elsewhere if need be. Let's shake this place up- it REALLY needs it if you couldn't tell ;) cheers.....

Author

@LEx

Date

2004-06-25T09:52:59-06:00

ID

85171

Comment

As someone connected with the old Deville Cinema (which brought Jackson art, independent, small release, and gay & lesbian film for seven years), Iím delighted to support the effort to bring Fahrenheit 911 to Jackson. Local theatre managers are telling you the truth: decisions about local showings are made at the corporate level, far from Jackson. However, local theatre managers can and do influence those decisions Ö especially when prompted to do so. Bringing Fahrenheit 911 to Jackson is a battle worth fighting. However, if weíre interested in bringing art and independent film to Jackson on a regular basis, our experience at Deville hints at the best possible long-term strategy: create competition between the chains. When the Deville was open, our little one-screen theatre exercised enormous control over what would play at Northpark (operated, at the time, by United Artists). To bring an art film to Jackson, all we had to do was request it from the distributor. Within a week, it would be screened at Northpark. This happened so predictably and so often, it became a running joke. When Cinemarkís Tinseltown came to Jackson ñ with its comfortable stadium seating ñ UA couldnít scramble fast enough to retro-fit its theatres with the same. The Parkway multiplex, you may recall, had been built long after stadium seating became the standard for new theatres; it took the opening of Tinseltown to prompt UA to upgrade the auditoriums there. You may also recall one of the reasons given for expanding the number of screens at Northpark: to allow one or two screens to be dedicated to showing art and independent film. Once the Deville closed, UA lost all interest in bringing art film to Jackson and, with the occasional exception, went back to dedicating eight screens at once to gems like Hot Pants 2: The Carwash Crew. So: without competition, art films donít play. The trick, then, is finding a way to create that competition. (Continued, Next Post)

Author

MadeByMark

Date

2004-06-25T11:25:25-06:00

ID

85172

Comment

We could always trick some poor soul into opening the Capri. The appearance of a dedicated art cinema in Jackson would change everything. This may, however, be a self-defeating strategy, as the chains will respond by showing the same films. A small, one-screen theatre canít win in this situation; it cannot afford to dedicate its single screen to a money-loser; the chains, however, will happily lose money on one screen in their multiplex ñ at least until the single screen theatre goes out of business. (See this story about the Deville Cinema ñ and please pardon the self-link.) Another strategy ñ with less personal risk for some small businessperson ñ would be to persuade Cinemark/Tinseltown to devote just one screen to art and independent film. Making this attractive would likely be a matter of getting enough people to band together and say, ìIf you will dedicate just one screen to art and independent cinema, in addition to supporting those films, we, the undersigned, will also give you all our mainstream business, all the time, and we will actively campaign against people seeing movies at the Regal Cinema chains.î Want more attention? Get several hundred people to ìbuy advance ticketsî to the first five art films Tinseltown will show ñ whatever they are (essentially, donating $40.00 each to the cause). Call a press conference and hold up the big jar of cash ñ itís a great visual representation of just how much Jacksonites want independent film. Within weeks, expect art films to crop up at Regal. Mark www.madebymark.com

Author

MadeByMark

Date

2004-06-25T11:26:32-06:00

ID

85173

Comment

Mark, thanks so much for sharing the info. I was waiting and expecting a response from you since I know you are "in the know" on this topic from a first-hand perspective. I think advance tickets would be an excellent idea but, of course, we'd need to know exactly what movies we were purchasing and that decision would need to be made collectively by the ticket buyers and the theaters. There's no easy way to do this but banding together, as we've all noted, is the obvious first step. More to come once I have a moment...

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T11:33:02-06:00

ID

85174

Comment

Wonderful comments, suggestions all around. I think the flyer is a great idea -- is there someone who has time to design it today out there? We could donate our copier here at least for a good batch of them; perhaps someone else could volunteer to come copy and cut them (perhaps two on a page?). Also, if there is someone else with a copier who could do a batch, that would be great. Dustin, be sure your friends sign up on our petition, being that Hattiesburg is certainly close enough for them to drive to Jackson. It's up to Knol whether to add your theaters to the call list. Doesn't bother me at all. And Mark, your comments are wonderful and far-reaching. I was thinking in the shower this a.m. that we really should use this campaign to force the theaters to bring better films, in general, to Jackson, in addition to being a PR campaign for the area. That is, we're a big city and want to be treated like one. And that's really us to us to make happen. In addition, we all have to support these films when they come. I know, I know: I hate to drive to the suburbs to go to the movies, too. Getting another theater in Jackson proper should certainly be a goal of the Fahrenheit 601 gang, but we do need to shlep out to see indy films that come to the burbs, meantime. I think it is truly pathetic that Jackson has no movie theater in the city -- and it is a sign of the B.S. that was allowed to happen to this city over the last 30 years. However, it is in *our* power to change it as Jacksonians and energetic Mississippians who don't want to go to another state to have a good quality of life. So I appreciate all y'all participating in this -- which, frankly, you all started -- so let's go forward together.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T11:44:55-06:00

ID

85175

Comment

we'd need to know exactly what movies we were purchasing Really? This surprises me. I'd personally donate $40.00 to the cause, whatever art or independent films were brought here. Sure, I'd prefer certain films (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ... and Spring comes to mind) ... but, in order to get my point across, I'd pay in advance to see the first five small, independent, art, or gay & lesbian flick they'd bring to town. Before you get to control the menu, you may have to establish a market. :) Mark http://www.madebymark.com

Author

MadeByMark

Date

2004-06-25T11:48:57-06:00

ID

85176

Comment

You're right, Mark. This really is about free enterprise, and showing the theaters that there is a market for the films. We can all do that. Knol, perhaps we should think about putting an indy-film blog on Fahrenheit 601 (or we can put it on the JFP site, or both) so people can talk about what films they want to come to Jackson. So now I have to go return a call to a TV station about this. Shouldn't hurt the cause any. I'll try not to embarrass the 601 coalition. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T11:54:27-06:00

ID

85177

Comment

Good idea Donna. I'll setup a forum, of sorts, as soon as the new domain is up and running. By the way, everyone, I've registered Fahrenheit601.com and will have a functional more in-depth site very soon with forums and other interesting features... Community-oriented so feel free to toss some ideas about what you'd like to see grow from these seeds!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T12:10:20-06:00

ID

85178

Comment

careful Knol..... you don't want Ray Bradbury coming to gitcha.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-25T12:32:50-06:00

ID

85179

Comment

I will gladly shell out cash up front to get this ball rolling. Anyone know why the planned Rave backed out of opening in Flowood? Think it had anything to do with the geniuses over at Regal Entertainment Group? I was actually thinking that once it opened, maybe Regal would convert Parkway into a pseudo-arthouse setup, kinda like Studio on the Square in Memphis. Oh well. I like the Malco chain. We need to get them these stats and convince them that it would be in their interest to open a mega-plex here like the one at Peabody Place in Memphis. The Kmart on 55 is the PERFECT spot. Thoughts?

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-25T12:37:33-06:00

ID

85180

Comment

Kmart has been discussed in many of my circles as the perfect location... Especially for an edgier cinema! I'd support it!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T12:42:44-06:00

ID

85181

Comment

just called tinseltown again and it sounds like they're getting a LOT of calls. i barely had the name of the movie out of my mouth and the guy interrupted and gave me an out of state number to call. 972-665-1000. he said to ask for "film buyers". here goes nothin'.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-25T12:44:04-06:00

ID

85182

Comment

As well, I'd be willing to provide them with numbers. Will look into contacting the corporate office soon.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T12:44:06-06:00

ID

85183

Comment

That's a great idea, Jay. We should put together our own package of back-up information about why Jackson is a great place for a good theater that shows edgy films. We have some good demographics and such in our business plan that we can put in ther about Jackson as a "creative class" city (or whatever you want to call it, if you don't dig Richard Florida). Also, not to sound self-serving, but we can point to the JFP's growth and popularity as evidence that people want to see/think about media that isn't far-right or insipid (or both. Ahem). The truth is, the numbers show that Jackson is an educated city and deserves media that reflects that. I truly believe we can show how the climate has shifted here if we work together. Strikes me that the 601 site would be a good place to start building this case on behalf of Jackson. We can all contribute to the cause.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T12:44:30-06:00

ID

85184

Comment

How perfect: that an abandoned big-box store becomes an edgy cinema with a mixture of big films and movies for thinking folk (and lots of diversity). And it's in Jackson, to boot! Who has Magic Johnson's number? Maybe we should send him our proposal. I'm serious.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T12:46:57-06:00

ID

85185

Comment

i'll help in any way possible. (btw, i've got a copier sitting right next to my desk that no one ever touches. i could get the flyer copied here, gratis. and quickly. if anyone has made one, i'm downtown bored at work and would love a diversion. email me.) also, the 'film buyers' at that number are named John Lundeen (sp?) and Darlene Blair (she's at 972-665-1179). Got voicemail for both, and left friendly messages explaining our predicament. Asked for both to return my call at their convenience. We'll see. Anyone know who owns/manages the Kmart property?

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-25T12:55:22-06:00

ID

85186

Comment

Media update: Watch for a piece about the effort to bring the film here tonight on WAPT-TV, Channel 16, tonight at 6 and 10.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T13:40:47-06:00

ID

85187

Comment

Media analyst (and documentarian) Danny Schechter has a good piece over at mediachannel.org: The right is fighting back. A predictably vicious and fulminating screed by Christopher Hitchens in the under read pages of SLATE is unlikely to have much effect on mass culture. More odious was a potential economic threat and a more verifiable political one. On the business side, it was reported that the Carlyle Group, an investment powerhouse with ties to top defense companies and Republican (and Democratic) politicians -- including, at one time George Bush, Sr., Collin Powell and James Baker -- was part of a group that just purchased Loew's Theaters for two billion dollars. Moore's film is slated to play on 59 Loews screens opening today. What will the political implications be? Already bloggers and websites such as MakeThemAccountable.com and IndieWire are asking: "What are the chances that a film criticizing a Republican will ever again be shown in a Loews theater? FEC Challenge Politically, there's more trouble on the horizon. The Hill, a DC-based journal claimed yesterday that "Ads for Moore's movie could be stopped on July 30." Alexander Bolton reports "Michael Moore may be prevented from advertising his controversial new movie, 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' on television or radio after July 30 if the Federal Election Commission (FEC) today accepts the legal advice of its general counsel. "In a draft advisory opinion placed on the FEC's agenda for today's meeting, the agency's general counsel states that political documentary filmmakers may not air television or radio ads referring to federal candidates within 30 days of a primary election or 60 days of a general electionÖ" According to the Hill, the ruling may also affect other upcoming political documentaries and films, such as "The Corporation," about democratic institutions being subsumed by the corporate agenda, "Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War," which opens in August, or "Silver City," a recently finished film by John Sayles that criticizes the Bush administration. What this last paragraph suggests is that free speech itself is at threat. My own film WMD about the media coverage of the war could be menaced by this. Who knows?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T13:47:28-06:00

ID

85188

Comment

All, I am contacting MichaelMoore.com and Lion's Gate to see about receiving some press-related materials (approved graphics and all) to use in flyer production. I will be happy to design the flyers over the weekend (by Saturday) and email to those able to produce b/w copies. Email me directly if you can distribute or produce copies of the flyers. I'm very impressed with the interest in this project and the positive light this shines on our city/state.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T13:55:56-06:00

ID

85189

Comment

My old Village Voice editor just e-mailed me and said about this effort by all of you: "You people are just about as cool as it gets." ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T13:58:13-06:00

ID

85190

Comment

how did he/she find out, Donna?

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-25T14:05:21-06:00

ID

85191

Comment

I sent her the press release. ;-) Here's an alert that just came from MoveOn.org about the questioning of Moore's facts that all might find interesting: The Bush administration and its right-wing allies are launching an all-out assault on Michael Moore and his new movie, attempting to discredit the film before it is even public. Last month, White House communications director Dan Bartlett said the movie is "so outrageously false, it's not even worth comment" [1] - a comment made despite the fact that the movie was not yet public and Bartlett had not seen the film. Now the smear campaign is focused on creating the public illusion that Moore lied about a secret Saudi flight that was permitted after 9/11 when most U.S. airspace was closed. But, according to one new report, the Tampa International Airport "confirmed that the flight did take place" -- despite three years of Bush administration denials. According to the St. Petersburg Times, "two days after the Sept. 11 attacks, with most of the nation's air traffic still grounded, a small jet landed at Tampa International Airport, picked up three young Saudi men (including one thought to be a member of the Saudi royal family) and flew to Lexington, Kentucky. From†Kentucky "the Saudis then took another flight out of the country." As the newspaper reported, "for nearly three years, White House, aviation and law enforcement officials have insisted the flight never took place and have denied published reports" about the flight. But now, at the request of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9/11 Commission), the Tampa International Airport acknowledged the flights happened. For its part, the Bush administration "is still not talking about the flights." [2] According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Commission has now sent a formal letter to the Tampa International Airport asking for more information about "a chartered flight with six people, including a Saudi prince, that flew from Tampa, Florida on or about Sept. 13, 2001" The commission "appears concerned with the handling of the Tampa flight." Meanwhile, former FBI agent Manuel Perez, who accompanied the formerly-secret flight, said the order to allow the flights "must have come from the highest levels of government." [3] In all, the New York Times notes it is "safe to say that central assertions of fact in 'Fahrenheit 9/11' are supported by the public record." [4] For more on Bush administration distortion, visit: http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1507099&l=42269

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T14:08:07-06:00

ID

85192

Comment

The sources for above MoveOn alert: SOURCES: 1. "Michael Moore's Candid Camera," New York Times, 5/23/04. (Republished online in Common Dreams), http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1507099&l=42266 2. "TIA now verifies flight of Saudis," St. Petersburg Times, 6/9/04, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1507099&l=42267 3. Ibid. 4. Moore's assertions supported by record; But '9/11' director may have to defend rapid-fire statistics," San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24/04, http://daily.misleader.org/ctt.asp?u=1507099&l=42268

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T14:09:27-06:00

ID

85193

Comment

JAY, DUDE!!!!! That number you gave is a LOCAL NUMBER FOR ME!!!!!! Thanks for the idea!!!! I called them up and asked on what general bases movie distribution companies show a certain film in a certain area. Unfortunately, he won't be in until Monday Anywho, I decided to crack yet another case in the great numbers game!!! (ok, that's a little grandiose, but still...). This time, it's figuring out the following for similarly sized metros within 500 miles of Jackson. I'm assuming these figures will influence the marketing department's decisions as to where to show films (a) Per Capita Income (b) Poverty Rate for Total Population (c) % 25 and loder with College Degrees (these numbers I DO have already, and you will be happy to know that Jackson metro ranks notably ABOVE the national average in this regard. Who'duv thawt thunk Miss'sippi had so many Kolledge Gradjuates ) [1]. Sooooooo....assuming the distributors' marketing departments did their homework, they certainly aren't overlooking Jackson due to the % of college-educated people here (then again, this ASSUMES they, in fact, did their homework...but where Mississippi is concerned??? who knows???) [1] My personal calculation of the combined Hinds, Madison, and Rankin college degree attainment: Among these metro Jacksonians people 25 years old and older, 28.11% have at least a 4 yr degree. That's 15.2% above the US figure of 24.1%. That's #56 in the nation out of 277 metro's I'm measuring and #13 Nationwide of the 63 metros in Jackson's size category (250K to 500K total residents)

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-25T15:01:46-06:00

ID

85194

Comment

Philip, as always, you are the master of stats. Excellent work and thanks so much (as a honorary Jacksonian) for participating in this project!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T15:09:11-06:00

ID

85195

Comment

From a friend of mine : "You know, it's more about the demographics of the areas that actually have the cinemas. Tupelo is showing it because they actually have a cinema in town. The folks that make the decisions about the films look at the demographics of the zip codes where the cinemas are and determine movie choices based on that. If Jackson actually had a cinema, we would get all kinds of films. You might want to send this petition to the Mayor of Jackson. He probably has more power to do something about it because he can continue, maybe a little harder, to try and attract a cinema in the City. "

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-25T15:37:46-06:00

ID

85196

Comment

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000552469 June 25, 2004 Michael and them: Moore foes hold fest By Paul Bond Just as his "Fahrenheit 9/11" opens nationwide, several filmmakers are readying documentaries aimed at debunking Michael Moore, and a new film festival is being planned that will feature such works as well as other documentaries well to the right of Moore's films. ...... (read more on link)

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-25T15:39:44-06:00

ID

85197

Comment

moveon.org is staging a nation-wide house party for the movie on monday with a live internet feed (audio) of mr. moore. there aren't any listed within 20 miles of jackson. lemcom was my first thought, but that's out. too controversial of an issue for a neutral spot. understandable. i need venue ideas. i'm going to go talk to ro at flashback in a minute. that seems like the next obvious choice. anyone else got a suggestion? all the space needs is a high-speed internet connection and speakers connected to the computer. if all else fails, i'm having one at my house. and you'll all be invited.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-25T15:57:36-06:00

ID

85198

Comment

on an optimistic note, Moore was on Jon Stewart's Daily Show (love it) last night and said words to the effect that he welcomes even more conservative blocking efforts because they just bring more attention to the movie. just checked, a video of it is on thedailyshowwithjonstewart website.

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-25T16:02:48-06:00

ID

85199

Comment

Cool, Jay. Keep us posted, although that's press night for us. Thanks, Herman. I hear folks are talking to the mayor. But: I must say, it is shameful if no one in the film business has bothered to figured out that the Pearl, Ridgeland, Flowood and Clinton theaters actually serve the capitol city of Mississippi. Is this just an example of not paying attention to Mississippi? There is a suburb of Birmingham where the film is showing. And I betcha lots of money that distribution execs know Westchester is a burb of New York. (OK, bad example ) As for the docs debunking Moore -- GREAT. Let's bring 'em on, and be able to see something here other than Shrek 17. (Shrek I hear does have a wonderful cat.) The point is, we want to be able to view, and think about, a variety of viewpoints here in Mississippi; not be surrounded by some sort of force field that lets nothing in from the outside unless the status quo wants it here. I'll be honest with you: It is hard to be stimulated or challenged by the conservative viewpoint here very often because people are so damn insulated even from arguments that would help them make their own points. The ultra-conservatives I know in NYC, for instance, are so much more challenging than many right-wingers here because they tend to draw their facts and information from a large frame of reference, and they sure as hell aren't going to be upset because a Michael Moore doc plays down the street, and they don't try to kill the messinger just for trying to discuss something controversial. ("You just a pinko" or a "damned liberal," or whatever nonsense.) That's just small-minded. They're not any smarter than Mississippians -- but they are exposed to a variety of viewpoints, which in turn helps make their own arguments stronger and the overall climate more stimulating to ideas. We can have this type of civil, intelligent debate here if we let enough ideas in and learn to stop responding to any challenge with personal insults. (Of course, we have a long history of a "closed society" to reverse, but the outlook is very positive.) Of course, the Internet and this type of civil online discussion is vital.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T16:06:08-06:00

ID

85200

Comment

ìThe folks that make the decisions about the films look at the demographics of the zip codes where the cinemas are and determine movie choices based on that.î Question: If the cinemas are located in the suburbs, wouldnít those zip codes themselves have higher per capita incomes, lower poverty rates, and a greater percentage of 25 and overs with college degrees? I realize that few people in Madison County will drive all the way to Pearl or Clinton to see The Stepford Wives, The Matrix, Independence Day, and Rain Man or any other mainstream film ñ but thatís generally true ONLY if the film is practically assured to show at multiple locations throughout a city.[1] This is far from the case for controversial films. Merely looking at the zip codes immediately surrounding the theater is unrevealing in these cases. Why? Because controversial films inherently generate a lot of buzz. This puts them in a different category than the Vin Diesel and Olsen Twins flicks. Therefore, a controversial filmís potential market should be based on the stats for the entire metropolitan area, not merely the zip codes of the immediate filmís neighborhood. At any rate, a theater in Hoover, AL (Birmingham suburb) will show F911 tonight; never mind that itís the only one in that metro area doing so. Well, I guess with F911, the marketing department might look at voting patterns for federal elections (I myself like those stats myself). However, they have their limits too. Iíd say theyíd do better to look at state representatives, city council people, etc - they especially need to look at their biographies and legislation they wrote. If I recall, the lower State Street area (Fondren-Belhaven) has a white female democrat on the Jackson City Council. That should give at least make marketeersí question their assumptions about an area. The best example in my experience is TN State Senator Steve Cohen of Memphis. Despite Memphisí rather bad reputation, he is considered the most progressive member of the entire Tenn. St. Legislature. (heís even a Unitarian as I understand!!) ñ and his district (at least in the 90s) had a solid white majority (a large part of East Memphis plus a sizable chunk of northern Midtown). The moral of the story: Question the quality of evidence before making assumptions about an area. [1]Notice I purposefully brought old films into my example. This is to show how old, established, conventional trends can trap people into certain ways of thinking. If something worked well in the past, who can blame others for stepping outside that box? Which is exactly my point! ;)

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-25T16:38:20-06:00

ID

85201

Comment

We just hit No. 200 on the petition! Woo, hoo!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T16:53:58-06:00

ID

85202

Comment

OK: We've got it nailed down. Richard at Flashback graciously agreed to host a 'house party' on Monday night. DETAILS: Monday, June 28, 2004, 7pm CST. Turn Up The Heat, Jackson! House Party 'Tens of thousands of MoveOn members are gathering in living rooms and meeting halls on Monday. We'll join a live, online, interactive audio conference with Michael Moore, we'll discuss the movie, and we'll plan local actions to help win back the White House.' It's going down at Flashback Video Cafe 1804 North State Jackson, MS 39202 601-352-3939 The cafe will be peddling their usual array of sandwiches and sweets, plus coffee drinks (of course) and beer. And if you've yet to check out the store, you're going to want to take a few DVD's home with you. 'Incredible' doesn't really do their selection any justice. This is something that many other cities larger than Jackson don't have. So when you come out, eat a sandwich (they're awesome) and have a beer and rent a movie or three. You know the drill: SHOP LOCAL! If just half of the folks who have signed the petition show up, we're looking at 100+ people who want to be able to decide for themselves what they think of the movie. The folks at moveon.org and Michael Moore's people will know our numbers, too. I think we just might surprise them. Tell everyone you know. Post it on Friendster, send a mass email, mention it to your coworkers or kids at your school. Show up and be counted. One of the chains that reside in the metro is gonna bring this movie to Jackson (or Pearl or Ridgeland if we're being precise). I'm betting in less than two weeks. Onward, friends. [if anyone has questions about this, click my name and shoot me an email.]

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-25T18:46:17-06:00

ID

85203

Comment

I love y'all to pieces. What an effort. We'll get the word out. Rock on, Jay. And here's to Richard -- if there was ever a business in Jackson we all ought to support, it's Richard's. I don't have time to watch many DVDs these days, but hell I'm going to start renting them anyway!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T18:52:41-06:00

ID

85204

Comment

MINOR CORRECTION. But it doesn't change the press release's essential point. I said: "According to the this site's link F 9/11almost every other metropolitan area between Texas and Georgia in Jackson's size category (250 to 500K total population)." I listed Baton Rouge and Little Rock in that group. Actually, both are in the low 600K's. Still, they are reasonably close to metro Jackson's size. (FYI the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area is in the high end of the size category -- 440,000 in 2000 -- to the nearest 10,000, that is. I wanna make THAT clear)

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-25T19:49:20-06:00

ID

85205

Comment

Don't worry, Philip, you're forgiven. But good for you on posting a correction. Otherwise, we just hit 250 (OK, 251). Tequila shots all around!

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-25T20:59:09-06:00

ID

85206

Comment

Since I'm on a stats kick....just remember this truth about statistics, folks. If Antarctica were a US state, it would rank #1 in the nation. 0 hazardous waste sites, 0 crime, 0 bankruptcy, and 0% unemployment.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-25T21:01:55-06:00

ID

85207

Comment

252 (now)? who knew? ROCK. here's the link for the house party at flashback on monday: if you're planning on attending, go and register (it's quick and easy) so that richard and ro will have a ballpark idea of how many to expect. we don't want to run out of rations. you're either with us or you're against us. heh heh heh. a grand weekend to all.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-25T21:32:58-06:00

ID

85208

Comment

Jay, just registered. You are super-genius and super-Jacksonian! "House Party" in Belhaven monday!!!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-25T22:20:13-06:00

ID

85209

Comment

Hey guys -- I posted some impromptu, amateur flyers around Hattiesburg today. I went by the mall with a few friends and taped them to the doors outside the theater. We stuck around inconspicuiously to see if anyone bothered to read them. (They did.) The flyers asked people to help support getting controversial films a place in Jackson and Hattiesburg, alike. I put your petition address on there. I really hope you don't mind? We also posted some at another theater in town. I hope it helped. If we can't get it in Hattiesburg, I know I'd be more than willing to drive to Jackson. Good luck with everything..

Author

dustin

Date

2004-06-26T00:02:24-06:00

ID

85210

Comment

Just signed up for the meet at Flashback- thanks for providing the link. Someone earlier mentioned the film "Control Room". It is being screened now at Canal Place in New Orleans along with "Fahrenheit 911". Since our local cinemas won't be screening either, I'm planning to make the drive down 55 next weekend and hope both are still there.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-06-26T02:43:09-06:00

ID

85211

Comment

that's awesome, dustin. i think it's important to move these efforts to other cities in mississippi. hattiesburg is just as important as jackson, and building a good community between the two cities can never hurt :) it's a good idea to get correspondants in other cities, for sure. hattiesburg needs people like you. keep it up, fellah

Author

casey

Date

2004-06-26T02:48:33-06:00

ID

85212

Comment

oh mi, 299! 300 for sure anyminutenow. that would about fill a theatre, with friends etc. along. meanwhile, the review at the New Yorker is pretty good. http://www.newyorker.com/critics/cinema/?040628crci_cinema hopefully soon we'll be able to make up our minds our own darn selves. also, way to go Dustin!

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-26T14:07:37-06:00

ID

85213

Comment

Everyone, Fahrenheit601.com is now an active domain! Please don't mind the mess... Currently, I'm focused on interaction and funcationality and then I'll worry with overall graphic design. Anyway, we've met the initial goal but I personally want to raise the bar to 500 names. Philip, according to a poll conducted by WAPT, a little over 20% of Jacksonians are interested in seeing Michael Moore's film. I'd like to see you work your magic on that number. At first, it seemed like a rather dismal number but after thinking about it 20% of the metro area is quite a large amount of money and should have most theater owners jumping to show this film. Hell, it has to do better than Saved! is... Right? As well, I still have not heard back from Lion's Gate or MichaelMoore.com about authorized images and text... I'd like to play by the books but would not be upset by guerilla marketing by others like Justin (you rock!). As soon as I hear from them, I will send announce on this blog and Fahrenheit601.com seeking printers and distributors. Read the existing blogs posted on the new site to learn about more that's going on... If you feel like contributing content specifically about this topic, I have created an F-9/11 forum for news articles and so forth. As well, if you'd like to contribute articles about this experience or in general, there is a "Submit News" link on the left menu. Think of it as an open-source community site dedicated to bringing down the stereotypes. While you're there, why not become a member to continue to receive notifications of new projects and ideas via the new mailing list.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-26T18:01:38-06:00

ID

85214

Comment

Knol, it depends on how he that question was asked. I'd have to see the story transcript. BUT, unless i'm searching too hastily, it's not on WAPTs site (i searched using the word "Fahrenheit", with date restrictions from June 24 to June 27). As for the question the station asked.......Is it as straight forward as it appears? How did the person interpret the question? We can presume that if they'd drive out of town to see it, they would see it in Jackson, of course (just like I saw the film today). Does this mean "the CITY of Jackson" or "Metropolitan Jackson"? Is the poll a representative sample of the people living there (does the poll accurately reflect Jackson's racial, income, education, occupation, and geographic make-up?). Anyway, not to rub salt in a wound, I did see F911 this afternoon, even though I don't particularly like Moore's views (see a much ealier post on this blog for that one). And....for the most part my views remain unchanged (see the end for reasons). His high points were in conveying the human costs of war, especially his continuous featuring a mother whose son was killed in Iraq. He also scores high for showing how clueless Congress was for not reading the Patriot Act's language (regardless of whether you support the act, it still shows Congress was pretty negligent in passing the Act in question!). To me, the funniest part of the movie was his doing a caricature of the White House power brokers modeled on the old 60s cowboy tv show Bonanza (for those who remember the show in syndication). As for the rest, I was frankly not impressed by his handling of the Florida election disaster and can see serious holes in his Bin Laden Family - Bush Family association. Also, I question the film's claim that $800-something Billion (not "M") of investments in the USA are Saudi-owned - as the film itself admits, thats about 6 to 8% of the US economy. I'd like to know what % of investements inside the US are owned by the Japanese (the investment-owning bogeyman of the past decade), and the EU nations - Particularly the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany (the EU nations combined dwarf the Japanese investments in this country, to speak nothing of the Saudi ones!!). All in all, I still remain convinced Moore twisted the truth to fit his ends and painted unfair caricatures on, at best, anecdotal evidence (more often than not, flimsy evidence). It certainly was worth seeing it for $5.50, but I would not see it for $8 to 9.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-26T20:20:39-06:00

ID

85215

Comment

To be honest, Philip, I'm not sure exactly what question was asked regarding the poll. My search came up empty, also. I will ask around to see if I can get a transcript. Have to run but I plan to come back to the points you made. I've heard many good and bad things about the movie... But, everyone that has seen it is now discussing world events, film, concepts and ideas. Those are all healthy things for an individual whether their attitudes, opinions, or faith are made stonger or are changed completely.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-27T00:00:49-06:00

ID

85216

Comment

To me....seems like to get 20% of random people to agree on most anything is a feat in itself. I'm a bit suprised 20% of your average Mississippi tax paying, bell south telephone, man or lady of the house knows who michael moore is . "Oh, is that another one of those anti-tobacco movies our ex-attorney general is involved in ?"

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-27T02:34:08-06:00

ID

85217

Comment

That's exactly what we were thinking, Herman. 20% of any "population" is still a big number when it comes to $$$. As Philip and I have discussed, the gay community is more than likely 2-8% of the entire population... But, you see how much money is being invested in marketing and media when it comes to that community. They spend millions! I am curious -- if we still had a theater in Jackson's city limits, would this be such a problem? As well, I am still perplexed that Tinseltown will show 'Saved!' (not complaining at all!) but will not show 9/11 which is on the tongues of everyone these days. Somone in those big offices needs to redo the algorithms†used to analyze Jackson's market more accurately and the managers need to relay market information to those offices also.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-27T09:39:30-06:00

ID

85218

Comment

What the theatre's don't seem to realise is playing 1 indie film a year doesn't get people to look at your theatre on a weekly basis for anything beyond the Spiderman ads they see on TV. As I recall "Saved" is the only indie-ish movie ever played at Tinseltown. "City of God" is the only indie film to ever play Clinton. Now days the only indie movie that Parkway or Northpark shows are pro-Christian ones. What happened to playing a "Brotherhood of the Wolf" every 8 months even ? We get "The Pianist" only after its won a half dozen academy awards and a week before the DVD comes out. And if they start showing an indie film on Friday (when most new movies start) it often ends on Thursday. It takes some consistency on the part of the theatre to grab the attention. As soon as we hear about an indie film playing we try to post the info on the Jackson Free Press loungeblog and start emailing people. If you find out before us , let us know , help us get the word out on cool indie things. I posted all this "Fahrenheit 9/11" stuff on the Crossroads Film Society Message Board. It takes all of us, getting each our groups together and support these things, and staying organized through organizations like The Collective, the Jackson Free Press email lounge list, and Crossroads Film Society and such to prove to the local and regional theatre management that we can rally troops. Don't let this be a one-of fluke. Use this as a trial in how to do it. Sometimes that means trying to go see "Saved" even if Yahoo gives it a bad review. On "The Pix" (old Capri theatre on State St.) : The Fondren Renassiance Foundation has leased it out to Steve Hixon and company. Steve is closing his Mad Hatter Coffehouse in Clinton next week (June 30), to deadicate themselves to bringing "The Pix" within the next 3-4 months. Installing heat/air, getting a new film screen , etc... The goal is still to open it and have bands in there, indie films, a coffeehouse, etc... Crossroads has been in touch through all this process. Their plan is to co-sponsor all their non-film fest screenings at "The Pix". And having a good space, showing newer indie film in there on a regular basis. With your support.

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-27T12:55:57-06:00

ID

85219

Comment

It may be wishful/naive thinking on my part, but considering that F9/11 was the highest grossing film of the weekend I suspect Jackson will get it within a week or two. As to the bigger question of getting more indy and foreign films to Jackson I really don't think we can expect much from the suburban plex chains. It's simply going to take somebody willing to invest in a 35mm projection system (as little as a few thousand bucks used) and setting up shop somewhere like we used to do at New Stage on Mondays. The Alamo is one possible location. A renovated Capri would be another. Mayve even New Stage would be open to the idea again. I would certainly be willing to help if the Crossroads Film Society or another group was interested in pursuing such a series--but only (as I've said before) if we get a decent 35mm film projector. I'm not interested in projecting videos or DVD's that anybody can go rent for 3 bucks and watch at home.

Author

ed inman

Date

2004-06-27T13:59:42-06:00

ID

85220

Comment

In the last 24 hours, we've been dicussing a "film club" of sorts and would love to have input on it. The idea was a spark we can see growing into a full fire... The idea? Pick a movie... Collect the money... Get a special screening license from the distributor (as a non-profit group) to see the film. This way, no sagging sales or complaints from the chains and we get to democratically pick and choose the films that we bring. The basic idea is that if enough people want to see it, certainly a place like 'the Pix,' the Alamo, and New Stage would host it. The next obvious issue is finding a projection system or a screen large enough to view a large-format film. But, it can be done and was done in the past by Deville Cinema (I still miss it so!) and New Stage. Crossroads might have the equipment or even the Mississippi Film Commission. There has to be a way to provide these types of films to those that demand it without even worrying with the larger chains. Think of it as indie/art house dinner theater. Maybe have it in Hal & Mal's larger room which would allow dinner and drinks as well as a well-lit parking area and a centralized location! I've started a forum on Fahrenheit 601 to discuss this idea if anyone would like to chime in and keep it organized in a specific thread. I have made the area Members Only so you'll need to register to access this area. (((some things should remain private until the kinks are ironed out))) Indie Dinner Theater Forum Register

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-27T14:45:21-06:00

ID

85221

Comment

Starting a indy film series is not hard--it just requires money and volunteers. Plus a 35mm projection system. Neither the Film Commission nor Crossroads owns such equipment currently. I am on the Crossroads board and have suggested that we purchase such equipment but I only have one vote and thus far I have not had much success in convincing other board members that this would be a wise investment presently. It could still happen in time, but keep in mind that the primary focus of Crossroads is to put on an annual film festival--not run an ongoing film series. A joint venture involving the Pix/Capri owners, Crossroads members, the Fondren group, the Collective, Knol Aust's film club, etc., might have the best chance of putting together somthing that could work. Magna-Tech in Miami has available dual 35mm projectors complete with sound systems, reels, lenses, 1000-watt xenon lamphouses, etc. starting at about $6,500. These offer the advantage of portability and being able to switch back and forth from one projector to the other using the standard 2000-ft. shipping reels. Thus, you don't have to invest in the huge platters or splice the entire film together for a continuous show. And you can even move from one auditorium to another without too much problem. Once you have the projectors and place to show the films, then you can start renting prints for one-night or weekend showings as a "non-theatrical" exhibitor much like some colleges do. These prints are readily available from such sources as newyorkerfilms.com, swank.com, and dozens of other companies. They typically will ship the prints for a guaranteed minimum versus a 50/50 box office split. We used to get 16mm prints for the series at New Stage but very few new films are still available in this format so the only way to beat the video stores in getting films these days is to get a 35mm projector. --- P.S. One more thing that is remarkable about F9/11--it captured the No. 1 weekend B.O. title with $21.8 million in sales despite being screened at only 860 theaters nationwide. No. 2 "White Chicks," for example, came in at only $19.6 million despite being screened at 2726 theaters.

Author

ed inman

Date

2004-06-27T17:00:08-06:00

ID

85222

Comment

Ed, I hope to bring this topic up at the Collective meeting tonight (@ Flashback's). I'm sure it will already be a hot topic! Feel free to join. This sounds like something they are or should be interested in! We have discussed something along these lines before. Everyone else should come as well! The Collective is a great think-tank that is extremely diverse in opinion and agenda! It's a refreshing group focused on making Jackson a more entertaining and creative place for us all (not just one demographic)...

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-27T17:07:26-06:00

ID

85223

Comment

we're definitely going to be having an open discussion about this tonight at the Collective meeting. Jen's going to have her laptop set up so that people can sign the petition there. Also, the three of us (Jen, Jess and myself) have quite a few events planned, taking us through October. One of the "charities" planned is the Capri theater. First, we've got to get port-a-potties or plumming in there in order to host anything. Yall definitely come by tonight at 8 to offer up some ideas. It'd be awesome to have this discussion going on in person so that we can start moving to get these things in action. The Collective is willing to help as much as we possibly can.

Author

casey

Date

2004-06-27T17:22:53-06:00

ID

85224

Comment

The laptop is an excellent idea! I've been pondering a way to collect more names via paper but it all seems so messy. I'm such a techie that paper seems like such an archaic manner of colleting anything these days. Still, that might be a route we need to investigate. I can't help but think this petition, along with the #1 title at the B.O. (as Ed noted), will make this happen without doubt. There is more hope now for both this movie and more to come. I think we need to have a meeting of sorts for this specific issue to formally introduce ourselves as well as make this more of a reality to many. I suggest we bring together members of the Mississippi Film Commission, Crossroads, local media, citizens, and rental outlets (Video Library and Flasbacks), the Pix, the Alamo, and New Stage to discuss this market, its potential and what we can do to make that potential kinetic. As well, it might be interesting to begin looking at local artists that might be interested in showing their work for exposure before or after major screenings. Why not give everyone an opportunity to grow from this project? Look for more on this in the next few days.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-27T17:31:50-06:00

ID

85225

Comment

awesome ideas, Knol. I particularly like the idea of letting local artists show their work (maybe as previews or something?) Do you want to maybe say something at the meeting tonight?

Author

casey

Date

2004-06-27T17:44:19-06:00

ID

85226

Comment

There's a section on MichaelMoore.com today with comments from states around the U.S. The part that burns my butt is that Mississippi, of course, isn't included. Here is a sample, these from Alabama: ALABAMA: Montgomery: "We were thrilled when Rave Motion Pictures in Montgomery advertised that they would be showing it 6 times a day. My friends and I rushed to the theater to find crowds, camera crews and some disgruntled onlookers. The theater was packed, and the filmed received an uninterrupted 5-minute standing ovation at its conclusion. What a phenomenal piece of work--Michael Moore is a genius who might finally save this country from itself."--E.G. Birmingham: "Turnout was phenomenal. They were showing the film every hour on the hour in two different theaters, and were still selling out. Right before the movie the ushers came in and explained to everyone that the show would likely sell out and requested that everyone give up any unsaved seats. The place went absolutely nuts when they announced the show was going to sell out. After the announcement, everyone sort of got up in unison and consoldiated themselves into the center seats, leaving the edge seats open for latecomers. It was the sort of courtesy I'm not accustomed to seeing in theaters. The film closed to a standing ovation. While I'm certain it didn't last as long as the ovation at cannes, the fact remains that I've NEVER seen a movie received like that."--S.D. Mobile: "When I learned that Fahrenheit 9/11 would be screened in my small hometown of Mobile, AL I was surprised, but happy. I decided that I'd catch the 3:45 matinee, both because I'm broke and wanted to save some cash, but also because I thought I could beat whatever crowds there might be. My mom and I arrived at the theater about 15 minutes before the previews started, and I was flummoxed to find a nearly-full theater. Granted, it's a small theater, but it's a small town, too. There were probably around 150 people there--an amazing crowd considering that the film was being shown simultaneously on two screens in the same small multiplex. [...] This being south Alabama, where even the liberals are conservative, there were a lot of laughs but no cheering or clapping during the movie -- that's about par for any movie seen here. But I heard something I have NEVER heard at a movie in Mobile before, including all the "Lord of the Rings" movies -- applause. Giant, cheerful applause as the credits began to roll for a film that I was just SURE I'd have the theater to myself for."--M.T. The Link

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-27T21:02:12-06:00

ID

85227

Comment

Charlotte and I drove three hours to New Orleans yesterday to see Fahrenheit 9/11. We went to a 20 screen theatre and saw the 11am showing. The large stadium was almost sold out. The audience looked like a cross section of America, maybe an older audience than most. We cried with the Iraqi and American mothers whose children died in Bushís war. The last several years of lies and deception from our countryís administration ñ to have it condensed in under two hours ñ made our blood boil. The whole audience gave the film a long enthusiastic applause as the credits rolled ñ and I hear this has been happening spontaneously where ever it is shown all across the country. Every one needs to see this film. ñ Luke

Author

luke

Date

2004-06-28T03:31:38-06:00

ID

85228

Comment

Casey, sorry we missed the meeting last night. We were right down the street but realized we were late when we noticed it was 8:30pm. :-( One more reason I need to get my watch fixed and stop relying on a cell phone for times! Care to post notes about the meeting over in the forums or here on what all was discussed. I feel like such a slacker!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-28T08:13:32-06:00

ID

85229

Comment

Glad to see people discussing the idea of independent film series in Jackson. In the brainstorming stage, it's important to keep all options open. Some observations, in the event they can be useful: Even with the right equipment and local venue, getting in-demand films for a single local showing will be a challenge. When a movie is "hot," one-shot local screenings just don't merit the investment of a print. (You have to think about this from the studio's perspective. With a very limited number of art or inde prints in circulation, sending a print for one showing to Jackson would mean taking it away from a screen where it could run seven to fourteen times or more per week.) By the time studios will ship a print for one-shot showings through an independent venue, most people who really, really want to see the film will have driven to New Orleans ... and, in fact, the film may be available on DVD or video by that time. The result? The film series is tagged as "stale." "But wait!" someone cries. "If people *know* the films are coming here, they'll wait for them!" And many would -- if the local venue could *promise* that a given film was coming on such-and-such a date. As it turns out, this is hard to do. Distirbutors won't promise future dates for new releases and popular films, making advance scheduling next to impossible. (At the Deville, "What's playing next?" was frequently decided on a week-to-week basis, depending on what the studios would agree to send to Jackson.) These are points worth considering, as they represent very real challenges to the success of the one-shot, one-screening, temporary venue solutions (which sound very appealing in theory, but be very difficult to manage to financial and societal success). I hope the idea of an alliance with a local multiplex won't be forgotten. It has much to recommend it. The occasional screening of an ill-attended art flick (and some *will* be ill-attended, despite our best efforts) can be easily absorbed by a multiplex ... but can doom a small, independent local venue.

Author

MadeByMark

Date

2004-06-28T11:37:14-06:00

ID

85230

Comment

Tupelo reports in, courtesy of The Daily Journal, a good newspaper that actually sent everyday people to comment on the film: Hank Holmes walked into the first showing of "Fahrenheit 9/11" hating Michael Moore. "I haven't liked him since he said what he said at the Academy Awards," Holmes explained as he settled down in a rocking chair seat at Malco Cinema. Two hours later as he walked out of the theater, Holmes said, "I changed my mind." "Fahrenheit 9/11," directed and written by Moore, opened Friday at Malco Cinema. Holmes and seven others invited by the Daily Journal attended the first screening and later discussed its impact. [...] "It wasn't a lot of new information because of what's been going on with numerous discussions and information, Fox News and everything," Kathleen McCoy said. "It was a lot of sensationalism; a lot of playing to the emotions. Kind of disconcerting, but kind of makes you think about it. So if that's nothing else but to get us to start thinking. That's great. Or questioning. Or probing more." Most of the panelists agreed the movie was similar to propaganda. But Lacey Booth didn't mind that part. Being patriotic means listening to both sides, she said. "It wasn't any more biased than news media we have today every day." Read the whole story

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-28T12:32:31-06:00

ID

85231

Comment

Mark, excellent feedback. Please keep talking to us, and helping us out, as we really try to give this indie-film project some legs.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-28T12:34:07-06:00

ID

85232

Comment

Also, it is vital to remember that this effort is about economic development as much as anything--educated professionals, doctors, artists and our own native Mississippians are more likely to help reverse our brain drain, and our economic fortunes, if the cultural offerings in Jackson are at least as good as in Birmingham, for goodness sake. People make decisions about where to live based on their access to a good quality of life -- which for many people means the ability to enjoy popular culture, have good conversations and indulge in the types of art that people in other cities enjoy. And you don't have to like, or agree with it all -- but you can't make a good argument, one way or another, about something you're simply not exposed to. We hear so much about tort tours and such, but most people I've talked to who have left the state, including doctors, say they are leaving due to poor quality of life, including cultural opportunities. This is a reality we must face and change.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-28T12:39:07-06:00

ID

85233

Comment

you can always come late to a meeting, Knol! We set up the laptop and let people know that the "coallition" (of sorts) is now expanding to a more non-partisan venture. We updated them on all of the info I've gathered here. A lot of people are really interested in doing whatever possible to get the films here. We also told people to make it over there tonight for the house call. I've got to work (it's press night for the jfp!) but might try to sneak over there for a minute if time allows.

Author

casey

Date

2004-06-28T12:51:24-06:00

ID

85234

Comment

Mark is correct that a one-showing type film series is relegated to what is sometimes called "third-run" status by the studios and the window of opportunity to bring films to such a screening before they hit DVD is getting increasingly narrow. This is especially true for films distributed by the arthouse divisions of majors like Mirimax (Disney) or Focus (Universal) but even there we could generally get a print at least a month before a DVD release. Whether there's enough money and consumer interest is probably the bigger question. I'm also not opposed to encouraging the plex theaters to bring indy films to Jackson--perhaps just not overly optimistic. Often limited-platform films have anly a few hundred prints circulating compared to upwards of 3,000 for major releases. These prints upon initial release go almost exclusively to "arthouse" type theaters in major cities (rarely to plex theaters to run opposite Spiderman). Regardless of whether it's a film series or Tinseltown, etc. showing such movies, a market like Jackson is going to have to rely on used prints that have run their course in larger cities for the forseeable future. So, I'm not really sure it matters who shows it. Within the next decade many predict that circulating film prints will have largely gone the way of phonograph records anyway and theaters will be downloading films for digital projection--not unlike one downloads music from iTunes. That could change everything dramatically and distinctions between films of wide vs. limited release may become increasingly blurry (as will remaining distinctions between film and video generally).

Author

ed inman

Date

2004-06-28T13:43:58-06:00

ID

85235

Comment

Getting the local theatres to show the hot new indie film, and showing one slightly older, not yet on DVD film at "The Pix" or New Stage are two completely seperate ways to get indie films in town. We aren't going to be able to get many brand new movies, unless we try to get the cineplex to bring them. But we can show them all our support and get them to get a movie thats also playing in Tupelo (for example), and that when the bring "Saved!" or "Brotherhood of the Wolf", or "Igby Goes Down" (all screened locally), that there are people that will try and network people together and get people to it.

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-28T14:27:47-06:00

ID

85236

Comment

My two cents would be this...if this venture was going to buy equipment and show films for money, then you need a business plan. What are all of the costs associated? Who works it? What are the worst-case revenues? What are the potential returns? What are the ancillary products/possibilities? Could it be a non-profit and could membership or donations make up the difference? What's the cheapest at which it could be made to survive? To riff on what Herman said, in the East Village in NYC there's a small theater called Cinema Classic on 11th street off 1st avenue; it's an interesting little idea (www.cinemaclassics.com). They tend to show older films, foreign, etc., that don't have the same pressing issues that Ed brought up. I wonder if that couldn't stop-gap some of the blockbuster indies that you try, maybe four per year. Ed has proven how nice it can be to watch a good foreign/indy film once a month or whatnot; we could mix the two idea pretty easily, I'm thinking. I'd be happy to sit with anyone who wanted to brainstorm a biz plan and see what it would take. I've got no experience with non-profits (at least, *official* non-profits :-) but it would be an interesting exercise to put together some projections and see what would happen.

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2004-06-28T14:36:39-06:00

ID

85237

Comment

Don't forget... what Mr. Moore said at the Academy Awards that pissed everyone off, is the very thing that Fahrenheit 9/11 is about. We still hate the French for saying we needed more time to see if Iraq had W.M.D.'s, right ? Are we still calling them "Freedom Fries" ?

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-28T14:37:07-06:00

ID

85238

Comment

Todd, I had mentioned the Capri in Montgomery earlier in the thread. It's run as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. I've got no idea what that means. It's just something I had noticed when checking out their website. That being said, Mark's suggestion about aligning with a multiplex also sounds good to me.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-28T14:58:46-06:00

ID

85239

Comment

There is a poll on WAPT's site regarding F9/11. Currently it shows 70% would not go... Why not show them how many of us would like to see it? Visit WAPT's Home Page to particpate in the poll. The poll is located in the first second column of the home page near the bottom of the page.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-28T15:16:52-06:00

ID

85240

Comment

Crossroads is also a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Thats the one you can write off on your taxes. Once "The Pix" has opened, the rumblings are to get a 35 mm projector per Ed's spec's above, for Crossroads. You can join now for $35 a year, less for students. Members are encouraged to take part in what we do other than the festival, as well as the festival. http://www.crossroadsfilmfest.com

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-28T15:22:08-06:00

ID

85241

Comment

Say, if everyone here goes to the Channel 16 website and clicks yes, you can then click refresh and resend data (click. click) over and over again. You can vote as many times as you like it seems. Yeah, how it was worded on the news was lame...."70% said they would NOT go see it if it came here."

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-28T15:31:20-06:00

ID

85242

Comment

Say, if everyone here goes to the Channel 16 website and clicks yes, you can then click refresh and resend data (click. click) over and over again. You can vote as many times as you like it seems. So who knows what redneck could have been clicking "NO" over and over again. I could set here all day and click refresh, resend , refresh resend..... Yeah, how it was worded on the news was lame...."70% said they would NOT go see it if it came here."

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-28T15:33:05-06:00

ID

85243

Comment

hey all. as one of the 5 founding members of crossroads, i have to rival what ed said earlier (to his credit - the society has not been able to pull off many special events/screenings since his time on the board - or in the past)... crossroads DOES want to have year-round progamming. and they have the budget to do some special events - and with support, it could easily keep an on-going series afloat. the problem has been NOT having enough people volunteering their time to make it happen and also not having someone to take a leadership role. the special events committee of crossroads does not currently have a leader. if anyone is interested in becoming more involved with crossroads and creating more indie programming in the city, speak up. we want you involved in a big way. as herman said, crossroads is a non-profit, so legally everything is already in place to make things happen. crossroads is already planning on purchasing a video projector... in the future, with a guaranteed audience, purchasing a 35mm projector would be a more likely possiblilty. please get involved with the society and take an active role. crossroads has a good relationship with parkway theatres and they have always been supportive of our programming. renting prints is not a problem and not too terribly expensive as long as they are not new releases. the hardest part about showing 35mm film is having somewhere to show it. luckily, crossroads has built a relationship with a theatre... we (indie film lovers) should take advantage of that. if you'd like to get involved, please contact someone on the crossroads film sociey board. thanks.

Author

Nina

Date

2004-06-28T16:19:56-06:00

ID

85244

Comment

sorry... guess you can't do much without some further info. you can check out the crossroads film society and festival at: www.crossroadsfilmfest.com

Author

Nina

Date

2004-06-28T16:53:11-06:00

ID

85245

Comment

just working my way up from the latest, so I went to the WAPT poll, it's up to 45% yes, but I guess it's meaningless. will read other posts later, sad to see some will not sign on with the petition even tho they want indie films - is this the fear that Moore addresses in his movie? which I just took a weekend to go see in NewOrleans and it's , well, it might make you cry. weep. it works. it's just pretty darn good and people need to see itand be able to see it. the lines were long, the people were 'normal' and my'no bushit' pin was ok. fyi: http://www.seeyageorge.com/ the ending is great - you can fool me once...

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-28T17:01:02-06:00

ID

85246

Comment

p.s. just looked at the crossroads website, thanks ! happy to see it.

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-28T17:43:35-06:00

ID

85247

Comment

All, right now on the WAPT poll, 51 percent say they will go see F9/11 in Jackson; 46 percent will not; and 3 percent plan to drive elsewhere to see it. It may not be scientific, but, hey, something's happening here. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-28T17:50:48-06:00

ID

85248

Comment

Just found out that Farenheit 9/11 will be showing in Oxford starting Friday. I'd bet that dollar signs are popping up in many other eyes after that record-breaking beginning that has been reported. Watch - it'll be showing here and there all over the state (money is the great equalizer).

Author

C.W.

Date

2004-06-28T17:53:15-06:00

ID

85249

Comment

C.W. I think you may be right. We plan to deliver the petition numbers this week but I would almost wage that they'll respond with the next weeks schedule... At least, that's my hopes. ;-) It would be great to have a special screening for the names on the petition so we can all meet each other and watch together!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-28T17:55:50-06:00

ID

85250

Comment

Very disturbed that the local and national media have not offered a balance critique of the movie, but rather an attack on Moore's character. I donít want to be spoon-fed someone elseís propaganda. I would like to view the movie myself and make my own informed opinions. However, I'm very happy that it was No. 1 at the box office this past weekend. Maybe the Jacksonís theaters will pay attention to the high tickets sales for F9/11 being made elsewhere.

Author

joiedevie

Date

2004-06-28T19:06:40-06:00

ID

85251

Comment

Hey all, I just left Flashback Video, and they're very excited about the house party tonight. Now that the film is, indeed, coming to Jackson Friday, head on over there for a victory party tonight! 7 p.m. on.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-28T19:10:36-06:00

ID

85252

Comment

Nice to hear. I've sent a thank you email to Tinseltown.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-28T19:13:30-06:00

ID

85253

Comment

That's a great idea, Ex. It's certainly the classy thing to do: Send to [email][email protected][/email] Cheers to Tinseltown. I'm happy to report that a JFP reader, a 38-year-old social worker from Ridgeland whom I don't know, was the person who first informed me early this afternoon. After seeing the petition on the site, he had signed it, and then started calling the corporate offices. They told him today that they had decided to bring it here, and then we called to confirm. And Tinseltown is being very classy in return. A reader just sent me this e-mail that they sent him when he requested that the movie be shown here: From: 274 Jackson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, June 28, 2004 4:41 PM To: XXXXXXXX Subject: Re:Film recommendation Mr. XXXXXXX, This movie will begin showing at our theatre this Friday July 2. We look forward to seeing you. Russell Jameson Assistant Manager

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-28T19:21:02-06:00

ID

85254

Comment

I guess getting the film in Hattiesburg is a lost cause - unless, like some of you've mentioned, they start seeing the big dollar signs. (which is very plausible given this past weekend.) I think myself and a couple of friends might drive up to Jackson Friday to see it. Maybe all of us on this forum who've wanted to see the film should pick a show time and go to the same viewing? That might be cool. Anyway, Thanks everyone for persuading a theater to show it closer to home.

Author

dustin

Date

2004-06-28T20:27:38-06:00

ID

85255

Comment

can we put this news in ALL CAPS? am I reading that F 9/11 is coming to Tinseltown this Friday? can this be? can it be this easy? what else can be done, one wonders? .. hurray to everyone and emails galore, beignets even, to cinemark! even if it's just for the money, they are brave to show it these days.

Author

haupc

Date

2004-06-28T21:21:49-06:00

ID

85256

Comment

Well, guys, I'm waaaaaaay too far away to come down to Jackson to see a movie, but I'm going to make it at either Oxford or Tupelo, because I'm a lot closer to both of those places. I'd love it if I could, though, just to meet the fine lot of folks on here and have a free speech 'victory' party. And I do agree with Kimberly about being spoonfed someone else's propaganda. I may have some reservations about Mr. Moore, but I want to see what he has to say (and how he says it) myself. I was thinking I would just wait and see the movie after it comes out on DVD, (I don't need any convincing, my mind was made up long ago when there was only one for-sure candidate) but all this effort to suppress the movie makes me feel like I need to see it before then, in protest, if nothing else. Y'all party a little for me, ya hear?

Author

C.W.

Date

2004-06-28T21:28:24-06:00

ID

85257

Comment

Dustin, the only problem Hattiesburg might face is school is out. While Hattiesburg is a fairly liberal community/city, it really is not the same without the mass of students filling its streets. Good luck! But, please do come up this weekend and celebrate with us at Tinseltown! CW, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Capri in Montgomery and think something like it would do extremely well in a neighborhood like Fondren or Belhaven with the proper marketing! Everyone stand up and applaud Cinemark for making this happen! I'm happen to share my $$$ with them as long as they keep providing quality movies... Speaking of... What they hell happened to Saved!? One week? That's ridiculous! Maybe they were making room for another film... ahem... ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-28T22:55:40-06:00

ID

85258

Comment

GOOD JOB, Y'ALL!!!!!!!!! NOW, PHASE TWO BEGINS

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-28T22:58:23-06:00

ID

85259

Comment

actually, knol, saved played for two weeks ;) and it was awesome. but i think i was the only non-fundie in the room cause my friends and i were the only ones laughing. Dustin - come on over to J-town. I'm going to hopefully be heading over there then, too. Maybe we could plan a meet up site. philip's right - bring on phase 2. and keep checking out knol's site for updates - i think we're going to do some phone polls to get people registered to vote!

Author

casey

Date

2004-06-28T23:15:23-06:00

ID

85260

Comment

500!! great job.

Author

dustin

Date

2004-06-29T01:02:28-06:00

ID

85261

Comment

Here's proof a little competition goes a long way: as of this morning, Fahrenheit 9/11 will *also* be playing at Regal's Northpark and Parkway theatres. Even though I've seen the movie in New Orleans, I'll see it again ... and I'll see it again at Tinseltown, even though I live five minutes from Northpark. As the first folks to agree to bring the film to town, they win my support. I hope other readers will do the same. That said: to build awareness of the Fahrenheit 601 movement -- and the support for art & independent film in Jackson in general -- maybe we ought to work out some sort of catchphrase we say every time we buy a ticket to an art or inde feature. Imagine it: a booth attendent hearing forty people in one day saying, "Fahrenheit 601 salutes you!" or "I'm a Fahrenheit 601 member, and appreciate you bringing this movie to town." I don't care what phrase we eventually decide on ... or what the movement is called ... but it would be a constant reminder that a base of eager ticket-buying customers is out here. Just a thought...

Author

MadeByMark

Date

2004-06-29T09:11:41-06:00

ID

85262

Comment

CW- where'd you see that F911 is coming to Oxford?

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-29T09:28:37-06:00

ID

85263

Comment

Mark, Donna and I discussed something of that nature last night. We were thinking of stickers to wear or something that clearly identifies us all as a "community of supporters." It would be great to take the management a formal letter of gratitude with all the names on the petition! Will look into printing this up and methods of presenting to management and the corporate office. Mark, I can safely assume Video Library will be carrying F9/11, correct? I realize you are not the "shot caller" but I have already heard about many video stores that have stated they will not carry it. Well, of course, they said that before it became a #1 B.O. hit! ;-) Look for more to come on how we can identify ourselves to each other and to others while attending. Expect something by the end of the day!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-29T09:38:27-06:00

ID

85264

Comment

Hi Donna, It seems you won't acknowledge my email concerning the fact Eric Clark, George Dale, and other top MS Dems were seeking a "white" head of the Missississippi Democratic Party. Just a tad bit of rascism noted. Perhaps you will see it here on your precious messsage board to get F 911 in Jackson... God knows this is of upmost importance to all sane citizens. Are you capable of admitting that if the Republican Party had done this it would be on the front page of every paper in MS, much less the JFP? I truly thought you were unbiased. HA HA. Anyway, can't wait to see this on the cover of your next issue. And not to ruin your little F 911 party, but here's a little article from Christopher Hitchens. He's hardly conservative. He even wrote an article about Reagan a couple of weeks ago in Vanity Fair. He joined the ranks of Donna and danced a bit on his grave. Very classy. Granted he's not as radical as you guys, but enjoy anyway. http://slate.msn.com/id/2102723

Author

mc

Date

2004-06-29T10:58:56-06:00

ID

85265

Comment

PS Go here to actually hear the "white" statement on the radio. It's on the top right of the page. Enjoy... then deny as usual. www.Magnoliareport.com

Author

mc

Date

2004-06-29T11:06:47-06:00

ID

85266

Comment

MC, everyone on this blog has already read the Hitchens piece. Poor thing. Can't get any press so he has to jump on Moore to be noticed. Hitchens is one of those people that can't stand to be out of the spotlight (much like Bradbury trying to sell more books with his hype). Very cute!?! But, I'm interested in learning more about what you are talking about with the "white" head of the Dem party. Still, this is not the blog for that discussion and I would support your post being deleted from this blog because it is technically spam. Believe me, you will probably irritate people more by blogging un-related info (spam) on this blog than turn anyone onto your thoughts regardless of their seriousness. JFP does have a politics blog that I am sure you can find a related topic to post this info and start a dialog with both the readers of the JFP and Donna. We love to discuss politics of all nature and you'd be surprised at how few of us are so one-party-minded! If you can't find a related topic, I have a politics forum on the Fahrenheit 601 site that is open for any discussion.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-29T11:11:17-06:00

ID

85267

Comment

ignorance is bliss... not here, not now, mc. have a great day.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-29T11:33:23-06:00

ID

85268

Comment

I'm hardly a Hitchens fan and am in no way defending his motives. However, it's quite ironic that you say he can't stand it that he's not getting enough press. Do you not think that Michael Moore's enourmous ego hungers for press more than his massive belly hungers for the scientists at Hostess to invent the Triple Fudge Twinkie?

Author

mc

Date

2004-06-29T11:34:21-06:00

ID

85269

Comment

don't feed the trolls.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-29T11:38:30-06:00

ID

85270

Comment

enough, mc. most of us read, write, and comprehend things at or above a sixth-grade reading level. i will be the first to admit that michael moore sometimes isn't the most desirable spokesperson, and i have issues with the liberties he sometimes takes in order to prove a point. you are more than welcome to present your side of the argument here. please do. but using the fatboy/twinkie analogy simply makes your argument and postition look, well, dumb. make an intelligent point, mc. we can take it. otherwise, i'm just gonna sit here and chuckle.

Author

Jay

Date

2004-06-29T11:42:55-06:00

ID

85271

Comment

MC-- So Michael Moore & publicity is like Brer Rabbit and the briar patch. Move America Forward's campaign looks to be a huge error. If it were all up to Karl Rove, I suspect he would have been in favor of doing nothing, saying nothing, and ignoring the movie.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-06-29T11:49:12-06:00

ID

85272

Comment

atleast you call it a movie and not a documentary, good for you. Anyway, I can't stick around. Got to get back to the real world. The only reason I wasted my time on this site was to get out the word on the MS Dem. Party and it's search for a WHITE chairman. I didn't know how else to get this info to Donna b/c she wouldn't reply to my email. This, despite the fact she did she did have time to make posts on the JFP message board concerning F911. I guess that's now more important to her than blatant rascism. Atleast you can do something about the jaw dropping rascist comments and actions by the MS Dems. Will the JFP stand up and print the dialogue of the radio interview? The Clarion Ledger obviosly won't. Please just go to www.magnoliareport.com and listen to it. It's on the top right of the page.

Author

mc

Date

2004-06-29T12:25:36-06:00

ID

85273

Comment

Thanks for keeping that discussion going, Todd & Donna. I'm eager to learn more when I get 5mns to myself! ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-29T15:41:04-06:00

ID

85274

Comment

Hitchens is "hardly a conservative"? I guess the day Hitchens blared he was leaving The Nation was hardly noticed by the right. Hitchens has been embraced by the Weekly Standard, and even featured in a column by one of their writers (he received a much bigger welcome than Rudolf Hess). I can remember Hitchens deploring his Thatcherite brother, Peter, in recent years. Now, they seem cut from the same cloth. Hardly a conservative? Hitchens is proudly neocon now. And, his piece on Fahrenheit 911 was easily the worst he's written since calling Turkey's Prime Minister "Recep Tayyip" (not bothering to see that the last name is Erdogan). No wonder Alex Cockburn displayed such open contempt for Hitchens over the past decade.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-06-29T20:27:11-06:00

ID

85275

Comment

Oops! Sorry, I posted before seeing the discussion was moved.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-06-29T20:43:20-06:00

ID

85276

Comment

Hi, Mitch. Sorry, I just noticed your inquiry or I would have already answered it. I didn't see it anywhere - I have an inside source at Malco's theatre in Oxford. (that sounds so much more mysterious than just saying I know someone who works there). :-) By the way Corrosive, I think Mr. Hitchens might have a drinking problem. That's probably why his brain cells have been dying off. He was one of the panelists on the last "Firing Line" and seemed rather hung over and dull during the debate, but appeared to be curing that problem during the reception afterwards. :-)

Author

C.W.

Date

2004-06-29T21:08:15-06:00

ID

85277

Comment

In case you are not aware, Fahrenheit 9/11 will be showing at Northpark, Parkway and Tinseltown! Also, we are attempting to pull together a collective buy-out for a screening and plan to approach the theaters with the proposition of all of us supporting that theater with our $$$. To get an accurate number of the participants that would be interested in taking part in such a collective gathering, we have launched a new poll at http://www.fahrenheit601.com . It is important that you not "cheat" and try to make this poll reflect inaccurate numbers. These numbers will be presented in conjunction with the petition numbers to reinforce that we are serious about seeing this film and serious about seeing it collectively! Let's face it, they did it for 'The Passion', we're hoping they'll do it for us. It would be so much better to attend with everyone that has been a part of this! To continue receiving updates on this project, you should become a member of Fahrenheit 601. By doing so, you are immediately part of the official mailing list and can choose to opt-out and rejoin at any time. While you are at it, why not become a member of JFP's Lounge List to have yet another source of news on great topics like indie films. We'd like to thank the Jackson Free Press (http://jacksonfreepress.com), Video Library (http://videolibrary.formovies.com), Flashback Video Cafe, Crossroads (http://www.crossroadsfilmfest.com/) and, last but certainly not least, the Collective (http://jxncollective.org) for helping make this as massive as it is and for keeping film alive in Jackson! Most importantly, thanks to you for your participation in this project. It has been inspiring and impressive to see so many people that actually care about Jackson, freedom of expression, censorship, individual thought, this film, and most of all film in general! Stay tuned to our homepage for updates on plans for this weekend and future plans. We may have to do this weekend as an organized mob if they are not keen on a collective screening! That could be fun in and of itself... Regards, Knol Aust The Fahrenheit Project *Remember, to continue receiving notifications on this project and future projects, you must become a member of the site. To become a member, follow the link below: http://www.fahrenheit601.com/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=new_user

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-30T01:01:54-06:00

ID

85278

Comment

The Clarion-Ledger finally ran an articleabout F 9/11 coming to town. They even featured the F601 site and its site address. Speaking as someone not exactly on the scene (400 miles away from it, in fact), the article seems reasonably balanced to me -- but that's for you all to debate. Anyway, so far, I do have to congratuate the C-L for their work. Better than WAPT (from what I gather), that's for sure.

Author

Philip

Date

2004-06-30T08:01:05-06:00

ID

85279

Comment

Philip, I agree. Gary did an excellent job highlighting the many issues with this film (pros and cons) as well as our attempts to validate our desire to see it *here* rather than another city. I suggested Gary attempt to find out exactly why this film was not originally slated to show in the metro figuring his Gannett status would help him get a quote easily. I'm not saying he had not already thought of it but I wanted to know what they had to say and figured since we were all getting dead ends he may have better luck. I'm not surprised that the person quoted laid it on the distributor. Now would be the time to contact Lion's Gate to find out if this was the truth (the distributor chose this path) or a fallacy (the theaters actually decided) and why (if true) they felt Jackson, the capitol of Mississippi and the largest city, should show after Tupelo. Either way, we need to find the source of this problem and make every attempt to create a sustainable liason with them and the others responsible for these decisions. Never again should we have to wait while cities a fraction of our size and demographic are opening a film. Do distributors really have that much control once a chain buys rights to its films? It was showing in other Cinemark theaters... Why not this one? It still sounds fishy but I am an avid fan of conspiracies and its still early in this game. ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2004-06-30T09:11:03-06:00

ID

85280

Comment

The local theaters could have undoubtedly gotten it last week if they had wanted it. They were just timid--didn't want to touch anything that might cause them unwanted controversy. Temptation of Christ never showed here either. If F9/11 had bombed at the B.O. (or even had been only a moderate success) we would still be waiting. But after it hit number 1--well, ya know not even many hard core Republicans aren't going to turn their backs on making a buck (LOL). At one time Jackson Police used to go raid theaters and arrest projectionists and theater managers whom were showing films they deemed objectionable. I know The Fox, a Canadian film distributed by Warner back in '68 was raided at the old Paramout Theater by JPD because of a lesbian theme. My mother told me that at one time even a Ronald Reagan film was banned in Jackson because it was considered too racy. All that said, I'm excited that some people seem interested in possibly getting a new indy/foreign film series going. I just hope that the Pix/Capri owners are knowledgable enough to get a real film projector and not just throw their money at video projection. I'm certainly willing to help any way I can. Or if Crossroads wants to work up a series in conjunction with Regal instead that's ok by me too--whatever works I'm for it. The Swedish film "Lilya 4-Ever" which played Memphis and New Orleans last year is one that comes to mind that I'd like to see us bring here. It was Lukas Moodysson's followup to "Together" (Tilsammans) that I got the 16mm print of last year. No 16's of Lylia available though. Maybe I'll eventually have to install some 35mm projectors in my kitchen--I'm sure they will fit in snugly with all my other junk (LOL).

Author

ed inman

Date

2004-06-30T10:33:53-06:00

ID

85281

Comment

I think Gary Pettus' Clarion-Ledger piece today was good, and he got the story right. You can tell from the piece that this was a grass-roots effort that grew off this blog, and not just me sitting there as a lone gunman, as WAPT made it seem! ;-) And it gave credit for the petition where it's due -- with Knol. And he used our quotes about it being bigger than just this film. I wrote Gary this a.m. and complimented him on the piece. Otherwise, let's definitely get this gathering together for the weekend -- Friday night, please. We have to use the energy to get more things done in Jackson. That's the point. I've been out of pocket getting the issue out, and then sleeping, but let me know what I can do.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-30T11:00:45-06:00

ID

85282

Comment

It's been a while since the conservatives have publically boycotted and/or picketed anything the theatres played for a week. Northpark played David Lynch's "Wild at Heart" for a week, and it was boycotted/picketed. I wonder with the local F 9/11 publicity, if local conservatives would protest it in some fashion .... with this one its political, not elicit and provocative in some other depraved fashion (sexuality, violence, anti-christian, or what have you). To backlash us trying to get it here.

Author

herman

Date

2004-06-30T11:26:05-06:00

ID

85283

Comment

Yeah, I was wondering that, too--but that's OK. It's part of free speech and democracy. Everyone gets their chance. Did y'all see this, yet? Anyone see anything else on it? Isn't Carlyle is the company that refused to run the "60 Minutes" listing of names of soldiers killed in Iraq (oh, so radical)? The Carlyle Group, one company that is the subject of intense scrutiny in Michael Moore's anti-Bush documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" is one of three investment firms that now own movie theater chain Loews Cineplex Entertainment. Carlyle, which was founded in 1987, manages almost $17 billion dollars worth of investments. Past directors include George Bush, James Baker and Colin Powell, who's son currently chairs the Federal Communications Committee (FCC). Osama bin Laden's brother Shafig was also an investor in the group, which is also one of the world's largest private defense contractors. Coincidentally, their investment in the movie business comes as Loews was one of the theater chains that resisted pressure to not show Moore's controversial award winning documentary. http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=3287

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-30T11:29:15-06:00

ID

85284

Comment

Donna, You're thinking of Sinclair broadcasting, and the Nightline episode. Carlyle is another beast altogether, and is not usually involved in cultural enterprises such as this Loews deal represents. There's no trouble in seeing this as a proactive buy, reflecting what the Carlyle Group (whatever eles they may be, they are very good at what they do; very knowledgable) understands is the fundamental truth represented by films such as F911, The Hunting of the President, Control Room, Gunner Palace, et al. Buying in to Loews now, protects them later. It's insurance. The Carlyle Group understands. Mass media is powerful enough to effect elections and public perception. Case in point is corporate news broadcasting; a great deal of money has been invested in order to control the output of mainstream media over the last 20 years. This was done concurrent with an orchestrated effort ot position "The Media" as Liberal. I touched on some of these issues in an editorial of mine in the NE MS Daily Journal, if you're interested in more. Film, particularly political filmmaking such as this, as a medium, is deadly dangerous to the wider media strategy because the perspective, the point of view represented, ultimately lies in the hands an individual filmmaker and is a reflection of his or her own opinions. For one thing. individual artists are inherently much harder to be bought than is the "person" of a corporation. When that individual is a left-wing firebrand like Moore, adept at surfing the PR wave, it becomes all the more dangerous. Carlyle is huge. Influential. And, once you begin to see the players, very, very familiar. When you see their investment patterns, you see a lot more. This particular venture is readily transparent, thanks to the media glare that's been focused on F911.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-30T11:53:04-06:00

ID

85285

Comment

More on the Carlyle Group.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-06-30T11:57:38-06:00

ID

85286

Comment

Yes, yes, you're right. Thanks, Mitch. Now I remember the gross stuff I had read about Carlyle. Don't I remember reading about a Barbour connection somehow? I need more coffee; I can't think. The bid to control the media is terrifying.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-30T11:57:44-06:00

ID

85287

Comment

Our press release is on the Association of Alternative Weeklies Web site. Click here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-06-30T12:03:20-06:00

ID

85288

Comment

The Pettus piece is no longer on the C-L website, sad to say. I'm glad I was able to read it in the actual paper.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-07-01T08:01:04-06:00

ID

85289

Comment

it's still there. The link above was off. Try this one.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-07-01T08:05:29-06:00

ID

85290

Comment

FYI: In case any of you are unaware, the official screening being sponsored by the Fahrenheit 601 Project, Jackson Free Press and Crossroads will be held at Parkway Place this Friday at 7:40. It may have sold out already but still try to get tickets. The official after-party will be held at Que Sera Sera on North State Street in Fondren around 10pm. The management was quick to realize this was not a "poltical" gathering but a social meeting to discuss the pros and cons of the films and for all involved to meet and greet. We're in the process of discussing a drink special for "ticket-holders" and for people that can prove they have pre-purchased a ticket. Look for more on this! I would personally like to thank Parkway Place, especially Brent Elmer (assistant manager) and Jennifer Humphreys (general manager), for their support of independent film in metro Jackson! Parkway has worked with Crossroads in the past and was eager to allow us to promote a special screening and have a visible presence in the theater. As well, I would like to thank the local media (for better or for worse) for bringing this project and effort to the masses that might not frequent the web or be on the various lists that were participating. Gary Pettus, with the Clarion Ledger, did an excellent job representing us and covered many aspects of the film and the film scene in Jackson the others would not touch. Thanks Gary! Also, let's not forget Crossroads, Video Library and Flashback for keeping indie film and film, in general, accessible to all of us in the city. Crossroads will have a membership drive and information at the official screening. Why not support film by becoming a member? Be sure to drop in, shop local, and support the stores mentioned in any way you can. Out-of-towners can easily stop by Flashback to have a nice lunch or dinner and play board games with locals. As well, Video Libaray has a large collection of new and used videos for sale. So, don't feel like you can't support these businesses because you can't make a quick return visit! Video Library also has a rent 1, get 1 free coupon in nearly every JFP. I've used this coupon too many times to mention! Thanks Clyde and Mike! Let's also thank Que Sera Sera for allowing us to meet after the official screening! If you've never been, you are in for a treat! Excellent food, a wonderful atmosphere, and bartenders that can turn any rainy day into a party! Off to work... More to come as info flows in.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-07-01T09:18:32-06:00

ID

85291

Comment

FYI, the link for Crossroads was typo'd. The correct URL is: CrossroadsFilmFest.com

Author

kaust

Date

2004-07-01T09:32:55-06:00

ID

85292

Comment

video library is even more helpful if you're an employee there, knol. as of yesterday, they announced they're paying for any employee and three friends to go see every indie film that comes to jackson, starting with f 9/11

Author

casey

Date

2004-07-01T10:38:39-06:00

ID

85293

Comment

That's amazing, Casey! Cheers to Video Library and all the local businesses, groups and individuals Knol mentioned (and especially Knol). This has truly become a grass-roots campaign to improve the cultural community in Jackson and unite local people who care about the community and locally owned businesses in that quest. And that part, I'm happy to say, is generating more interest. We're going to appear on WLBT's noon show next week to talk about the larger campaign to bring more independent film hereóand to communicate to Jacksonians that they have to support it. It's a wonderful exercise in community-driven free enterprise. And now we're hearing from readers in other parts of the state who want us all to help them do the same thing. Knol is working on sharing our technology with them. Not to sound trite, but the power of the people is something else when they feel empowered to make a difference. Onward, cultural soldiers! ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-01T10:45:48-06:00

ID

85294

Comment

Millsaps professor Bob McElvaine has a guest column today in The Clarion-Ledger called "Bush backers fear 'truth' in '9/11' movie": Michael Moore is a biased observer of President Bush. In that, he is, from the other side, much like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, and a host of other media figures who are perfectly acceptable to those who want to stop Moore's viewpoint from reaching citizens. The essence of a free, democratic society, as Thomas Jefferson understood, is to allow all viewpoints and let the people sort the truth. Why are Bush and his supporters so afraid of a movie ó one that was the top grossing film last week despite being shown on less a third the number of screens showing some other movies? Because, quite simply, they are afraid that the public will find the truth.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-01T11:20:58-06:00

ID

85295

Comment

More from Bob's column: Here is the truth (some in the film, but all confirmed from other sources) the Bush people are trying to hide: Iraq posed no plausible threat to the United States. Leading members of the Bush administration testified in 2001 that Saddam Hussein had no significant supplies of weapons of mass destruction and was effectively contained by the sanctions. Saddam was an evil, brutal dictator, but he had no ties to al-Qaida. Truth on Saddam, Taliban Under the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, significant U.S. aid was given to Saddam and to the Taliban in Afghanistan. In the days following 9-11, the Bush administration arranged to fly members of the bin Laden family out of the United States before they could be questioned. By diverting troops from Afghanistan, losing international support, angering the Islamic world, and creating thousands of new terrorists, Bush's Iraq war has made the United States much less secure.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-01T11:22:55-06:00

ID

85296

Comment

I have a problem. I'm torn between going to Jackson to see the film with you guys or going to see it in Hattiesburg. One of the cinemas finally agreed to show it, too. In case we don't go to Jackson, I wanted to tell you guys a final congratulations on everything you've accomplished. And, of course, have fun.

Author

dustin

Date

2004-07-01T12:39:32-06:00

ID

85297

Comment

Dustin, do what you need to do. I certainly see why you'd want to see it in your hometown. Of course, you could come here Friday and go again there Friday. ;-) Lots of folks are seeing it twice here, especially ones who saw it last weekend in other states.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-01T12:50:04-06:00

ID

85298

Comment

All, this is from a reader on the Coast: "Believe it or not, you have a lot of readers on the Coast. Congrats on the f-911 victory in Jackson, but we need some help down here, too. Look at the poll in the Sun Herald: http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/ " I think we're going to help him out with a Gulf Coast petition. Meantime, let your friends on the Coast know about the Sun Herald poll. Right now, it's running to more people wanting to see it than not, but they haven't had a lot of response.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-01T12:54:40-06:00

ID

85299

Comment

Dustin, it's important for you to see it in H'burg whether you come here or not. So, if you do decide to come to JXN (a fun after-party is planned), be sure to go support it the same weekend in H'burg to let that theater know you support their decision. I know feature prices can be high these days but this is no simple movie and may be worth seing more than twice before the election...

Author

kaust

Date

2004-07-01T12:58:17-06:00

ID

85300

Comment

Coast update: Sean just wrote back to tell us that the film will, indeed, be playing in Gulfport. He's thrilled. So all is free on that front. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-01T14:49:40-06:00

ID

85301

Comment

The stats I said I'd post about Jackson are finished. You can see them on the 601 board. I've included them in a report to Cinemark. I can only hope the report is professional enough for them to take seriously. To read how Metropolitan Jackson does, go to the Fahrenheit 601 site . Then Click on the following: Forums > > > Film > > > The Economics of Indie Theaters PS. If you came to the discussion late, Metro Jackson does quite well in 3 of 4 commonly used categories (repeated on another JFP board)

Author

Philip

Date

2004-07-01T23:13:55-06:00

ID

85302

Comment

are we going to put all of this effort into more indie films? i hope so. this one was somewhat easier what with the high money pull in.. i dont want this to lose momentum after this movie

Author

casey

Date

2004-07-01T23:37:09-06:00

ID

85303

Comment

The Clarion Ledger today has a wonderful column from Ellen Goodman, which for me, captures my unease about Moore and the film. She writes: "If "Fahrenheit 9/11" preaches to the choir, you could find me in the alto section. More to the point -- or Moore to the point -- I agreed with the filmmaker that Bush didn't exactly win the 2000 election, that we were misled into Iraq, and that the White House has used the terrorism alerts as a political toy. So add my review to the marquee: I laughed! I cried! But at some point, I also began to feel just a touch out of harmony. Not even this alto believes that the Iraq war was brought to us courtesy of the Bush-Saudi oil-money connection. Not even the rosiest pair of my retro-spectacles sees prewar Iraq as a happy valley where little children flew kites. There were a few too many cheap shots among the direct hits, conspiracy theories among the solid facts, and tidbits of propaganda in the documentary. Going for the jugular, he sometimes went over the top." and this: "I actually agree with P.J. O'Rourke, a conservative who writes in The Atlantic that he tunes out Rush because there's no room for measured debate: "Arguing, in the sense of attempting to convince others, has gone out of fashion with conservatives." But now liberals are trudging purposefully down the same low road. In the election between Bush and Anybody But Bush, reason and civility are now designated for wimps. But what happens to the country when the left only meets the right at the American jugular?"

Author

kate

Date

2004-07-02T08:53:33-06:00

ID

85304

Comment

Kate-- Thanks for the heads-up regarding the Goodman column. BTW, here's a link to the P. J. O'Rourke article Goodman mentions in her column. He writes about Michael Moore along with Al Franken, Ann Coulter, and Bill O'Reilly. I've long been an admirer of O'Rourke's work and will be reading his latest book when I get a chance.

Author

Ex

Date

2004-07-02T10:23:11-06:00

ID

85305

Comment

Not to be flip, but I wonder if Michael Moore isn't aiming for converts other than Ellen Goodman and P.J. O'Rourke? (grin) One of the things that the O'Rourke argument overlooks about Rush, for instance, is that Rush is persuasive to millions of people. (Much more persuasive than, for instance, P.J. O'Rourke is.) I'm thinking maybe Moore is trying for the same thing here -- persuading a percentage of the public who he thinks he can reach. Having seen the movie, I'd agree that, in a number of instances, he's unfair, unbalanced and fast with the facts. But, for the love of God, has anyone ever watched five minutes of Sean Hannity? Judging from the use of humor, the story lines (Marine recruiting, the reaction of young soldiers in Iraq, the mothers who lose children) and the way everything wraps up (I'll avoid a spoiler), I'll tell you who I believe Moore's intended audience is -- 17 to 19-year-olds. Yes, this is anti-war propaganda, and it's relatively clear that Moore's intent is to do his damndest to make young people sit and watch and think about the horrors of war instead of the less-than-complete image that corporate media has fed them. That's the case he's making, and he's not attempting to be balanced about it. He's making a counter argument to the one most often presented by the administration, and he's doing it unfairly. He uses ad hominem, mockery, false premise, slippery slope and who knows how many other fallacies. And he's scaring his opponents, it seems. If he's preaching to the choir then it's the senior youth choir, and he's giving them his big speech about how it's a rough world out there and how people will lie to you to get what they want. He does it dramatically, but with humor and sarcasm and by making the other guy look devilish...just as might any good youth minister. Will it work?

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2004-07-02T10:25:38-06:00

ID

85306

Comment

Having not seem the filmóTodd was in Texas without me, the scoundrelóI am intrigued about this part of it, and in many ways I think a consideration of this whole extreme-vs.-extreme thing, and what exactly is extreme, could be the most vital thing that comes out of it. I, personally, have been much less convinced, so far, by what I've heard and read about the Bush-Saudi connection, although more real info could convince me otherwise. So I'll hold out judgment on that until I see the movie tonight, or beyond. But I do think that Moore is trying in his own way, which is his right lest me forget (as was Mel Gibson's to get pretty extreme about Christianity in his film), to balance out the extremism of the radical right, which is currently in power and, as Todd says, to engage young people, much as Jon Stewart has done. They need to be engaged; the world being created now is their future. Now, in Moore's polemical, in-your-face tactic the right way? Well, I would say, nothing much is working otherwise: more and more Americans are becoming disengaged, allowing a minority to make radical decisions for us. The corporate media is so timid that it just ignores *anything* left of moderate right, for the most part. Think about it: the radical, truth-bending rightist media (Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly) run right-wing circuses that bend the truth, or outright lie, on a daily basis. But the corporate media is so afraid of offending pharmaceutical advertisers (or such) that they don't dare risk being accused of being called "liberal media" any more than they can help. And, the irony of course, is that they get called "liberal media" by the radical right if they represent *anything* other than the far left. It's quite the little game. So we end up with little, or no, "balance" in the media to these extremists. So, I think in my meandering, not-enough-coffee kind of way that Moore (who seems rather populist to me, at his core, but who uses extreme measures, by today's standards) feels like the only way to get at people not paying attention to the mess being created is to be outrageous. Is that right, or best? Probably not, but I fear that it is the result of a poison climate that the radical right has created in the last 20 years -- a climate in which if you say *one* thing criticizing a Republican, you're immediately branded a left-wing Communist, or something similar. That's stupid, and ignorant, but it is the U.S. we're living in right now. My impression, without having seen the film, is that Moore is going to extreme measures to shake it all loose, and get people to talk and think. Will it work, or further polarize the nation? I have no idea.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-02T10:41:38-06:00

ID

85307

Comment

Ron Brownstein of the L.A. Times said last Sunday "The most important thing about this film is it has us talking after we leave the theater." Well said.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-07-02T10:44:05-06:00

ID

85308

Comment

A historical example might be useful here. It is believed by many scholars of the black freedom movement that Malcolm X enabled Dr. Martin Luther King to do his "moderate" work in a very extreme climate. Malcolm, who was considered very radical (remember his "white devils" comments and threats of blacks arming themselves for self-defense) scared the shit of the Jim Crow segregationist south (and it's hard to be more extremist than those goobers). This allowed Dr. King to actually be considered somewhat of a moderate, compared to Malcolm. This is overly simplistic, but the South was scared to death that Malcolm was going to march in with black-power troops at any moment; this (along with the National Guard and amazing on-the-ground work by volunteers, and the lives of martyred heroes) helped move the movement forward. (One irony, of course, is that many scholars believe the two men's views were moving closer to each other's before they were killed, but that's another discussion. And an examination of all of Malcolm's speeches, which I did in graduate school, show that the media way overblew his "extremist" and "violent" message. Go figure.) One point is that sometimes it takes acts of extremism to get people's attention and draw them to what's right. I don't believe this is preferable, and I certainly don't agree with actual extremism, but it is a reality that our history has shown over and over. Michael Moore may simply be playing that role. And, remember, often history does not treat those "extreme" intervenors kindly (and as in the case of Malcolm X, all sorts of folks try to re-write their story later to suit their ends), but they do play roles in our tug-of-wars for freedom. Like him or not, Michael Moore does send the message that Bush conservatism is nowhere near the middle of the spectrum and that there is myriad room to the left of the radical right even before you hit the solid middle. I think the best we can all do is to try to draw the discussion back from the edges, and really get a dialogue going that can both criticize Bush and Moore, as we feel compelled, and really start thinking about what's going on in the world, and who's guarding our henhouse. It's our responsibility as Americans and guardians of freedom, I believe.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-02T10:54:21-06:00

ID

85309

Comment

Donna, how much study have you given to the history of the western world's labor movements? Moore reminds me of a high-tech Joe Hill or Caesar Chavez, and a few others (I'll leave Paul Robeson out of this). Before films, tactics such as songs, absurdist theater and vaudeville were employed to capture the public's attention. Such tactics have been successful in the past to achieve goals more toward the center. Remember, John L. Lewis knocked the president of the carpenter's union sprawling across a dinner table at an AFL convention, then went on to organize the CIO since the former was not interested in organizing unskilled labor.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-07-02T10:58:56-06:00

ID

85310

Comment

But, see, I don't really believe we can "balance" the extremes. I'd rather beat the drum of accuracy and fairness, than to be put in a position where I have to defend Michael Moore. Of course, I don't have anything to offer by way of alternatives - at least in terms of getting people fired up and talking. But still, it rankles. Also, I think it should be easy enough to make some serious points against the Bush administration without being 'fast with the facts.' The ultimate test for me, to borrow from corrosion/Brownstein (above), is that the film makes us talk, and not yell, after we leave the theater.

Author

kate

Date

2004-07-02T10:59:50-06:00

ID

85311

Comment

Is it possible his "fast with facts" is done in a sarcastic and almost satirical fashion? In other words, using the current Administration's example of fast facts to represent his own? Let's face it, the man is smart... He may have thought out the film on such a level that his "fastness" is a satirical mirror to represent Bush, Inc's fast use of "facts." Why the hell are so many people criticizing Moore for using "fast facts" and so few criticizing the current administation? The irony is delicious and I can't help but feel intended.

Author

kaust

Date

2004-07-02T11:13:14-06:00

ID

85312

Comment

Uh, Knol, I think you're reaching a little with that one. Granted, it's fun to be on the side that's playing with the truth to make us look good, but, it's still rankles. And there's lots of folks talking about the Bush administration's lies. It's just hard to hear sometimes.

Author

kate

Date

2004-07-02T11:35:29-06:00

ID

85313

Comment

Maybe "fast with the facts" doesn't quite communicate what I meant -- my impression sitting in the film is that I wasn't buying ever argument. Moore is *completely* in control of the presentation, all the way down to his narration, which sneers a bit when he's presenting these facts. But I'm still looking forward to seeing it again and getting a second impression.

Author

Todd Stauffer

Date

2004-07-02T12:03:52-06:00

ID

85314

Comment

corrosion: Donna, how much study have you given to the history of the western world's labor movements? Moore reminds me of a high-tech Joe Hill or Caesar Chavez, and a few others (I'll leave Paul Robeson out of this). Donna: Not as much as I'd like to, but your point seems right on. Before films, tactics such as songs, absurdist theater and vaudeville were employed to capture the public's attention. Or Abbie Hoffman during the Vietnam War. Your point is good: I've seen a number of stories recently in the "young" press talking about how the left needs to borrow more tactics from the right. That rather scares me, and I certainly feel Kate's pain, but we are in an emergency situation here, with so much at stake. So it's hard for me to proffer what I think is "right" about efforts to wake up America. And I personally suspect history will shine at least as good a light on Moore as it will on the current administration. Knol's point about the irony of people complaining about "truth" is right on -- although I've said from the beginning that I wish Moore would not embellish the truth one iota -- especially since he has a forum, and the truth itself is harsh enough to this administration. Also, it's probably smart not to overplay how much of the film is embelllished simply based on conjecture, especially from the defenisve right. I'm doing some research now on this and will share more when I have it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-02T12:04:23-06:00

ID

85315

Comment

More commentary, this from Krugman at the NY Times: Why hold a self-proclaimed polemicist to a higher standard than you hold the president of the United States? And for all its flaws, "Fahrenheit 9/11" performs an essential service. It would be a better movie if it didn't promote a few unproven conspiracy theories, but those theories aren't the reason why millions of people who aren't die-hard Bush-haters are flocking to see it. These people see the film to learn true stories they should have heard elsewhere, but didn't. Mr. Moore may not be considered respectable, but his film is a hit because the respectable media haven't been doing their job.

Author

kate

Date

2004-07-02T15:45:33-06:00

ID

85316

Comment

is film is a hit because the respectable media haven't been doing their job. That's a powerful statement and, I suspect, true. He'd be easy to write off, and ignore, if we were getting the full story from the corporate media. As it is, people are hungry for information.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-02T16:44:31-06:00

ID

85317

Comment

Tactically speaking, entertainment in its broadest sense is a many-faceted approach in co-opting the media stranglehold enjoyed by the right. I'm not saying we all become Zendiks and put on our clown makeup- nooo! But I *am* saying that points of view can be presented and digested without having to be dumbed down. I try to explain this to my friend the schoolteacher up in Michigan: no matter how strongly he feels he has strong facts and information to present, subjecting someone to 30 or 40 hours of Noam Chomsky interviews by fawning radio hosts like Amy Goodman or David Barsamian(sp?) is not going to launch a movement. Whether we like it or not, presentations have changed often and are changing today in this technological age. These forums are but one indication. The obvious downside are the far-right sites, the conspiracy sites to feed into paranoia, and the fuel provided to each by the current administration. (I'm thinking of one wag's quip about conspiracies: the very lack of evidence PROVES they are adept at hiding. A press-shy White House only adds to the paranoia about Bush-Saudi ties, however slender. Let's not get started on the FEMA camps rumor. :P Ok, I'm done.)

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-07-02T18:08:34-06:00

ID

85318

Comment

This got me thinking about my big pet subject....creative class cities!!! Given the following (1) Extreme ideological rhetoric from practically every faction. (2) Lots of people these days are concerned with manners and general civility (3) (perhaps most of all) People are going to eventually go where their persons and views can be respected, if not agreed with.... Wouldn't you think the "Purple" states and counties on the Red-Blue 2000 Electoral Map are ripe for growth and TRUE progress -- especially metros whose cultures have no use for raw ideological yow-yow?

Author

Philip

Date

2004-07-02T23:08:05-06:00

ID

85319

Comment

Aye, Philip, aye! There is a sense of weariness from the bombardment of rhetoric and ad hominems on boths sides. Maybe F-911 can cause a truce? Eh, I'm dreaming again. But, paint me purple and declare me ready, if unfit.

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-07-03T03:07:54-06:00

ID

85320

Comment

Darn, there goes my spelling again. "Boths"? *Looking around to make sure Mrs. Clasen of Walker High isn't reading this*

Author

corrosiongone

Date

2004-07-03T03:13:29-06:00

ID

85321

Comment

WLBT did this report Friday and mentioned "Fahrenheit 601" at the end. Note the tone, and this: The first showing of the movie here at Tinseltown did not sell out. In fact, it was only one-third full. But workers here expect that to change through the week as momentum picks up. Does anyone know if they've updated the story to tell people that it sold out Friday evening shows, including our special screening? Of course, this station also last week had a headline story, saying F9/11 "won't show" in Jackson. Oops.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-05T14:40:04-06:00

ID

85322

Comment

The sound-bytes were nice and represent many conversations I had (post screening) but I agree the tone (from reading) reads a bit skewed. I am curious if that same tone carried over on the a/v news? WJTV was at Parkway but I have not been able to find any info from their interviews... Anyone else?

Author

kaust

Date

2004-07-05T15:32:50-06:00

ID

85323

Comment

I haven't seen anything; of course, I find all the TV stations' Web sites impossible to use. You do get the feeling that most mainstream media wishes this F9/11 thing would just pass over as quickly as possible so they can get back to pleasing their corporate sponsors. Time magazine, though, has quite the package, it seems: http://www.time.com I'm on press day and, thus, no time to read the news, but I am intrigued by that F9/11 vs. Passion of the Christ link they have.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-05T15:39:54-06:00

ID

85324

Comment

Have y'all heard anything about the Disney documentary "America's Heart and Soul" that's hitting theaters this week? Apparently, it's about "ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories." Interesting that it seems that it's being pitted against F9/11; from a story today in the San Francisco Chronicle: n an irony even Mickey Mouse would find hard to miss, America is about to weigh two wildly contrasting versions of itself in theaters this weekend as the Walt Disney Co. debuts its own foray into documentary filmmaking right alongside Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" -- which the studio refused to release. Disney officials insist their 88-minute film, "America's Heart and Soul" -- stitching simple, positive vignettes of everyday Americans with sweeping vistas and up-tempo music -- is neither a response to Moore's politically charged hit nor any type of political statement itself. But the studio invited the Sacramento-based conservative group Move America Forward to a screening this week a block from the Capitol, allowing its members to make the comparison to Moore's film that the studio has refused to make. The political group's invitation to its members praised the movie's virtues, "unlike the negative and misleading story line of Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11.' " "We want everybody to see our movie," said Dennis Rice, head of publicity for Walt Disney Studios. "By definition, it has to be seen as a nonpartisan approach. We are not teamed up with anyone, let alone Move America Forward. We just want our movie to be seen in its purest form." More diorama than documentary, the film, to be released nationwide Friday, introduces audiences to a varied collection of Americans -- from a Vermont dairy farmer to a Colorado cowpoke to the Rev. Cecil Williams, leader of San Francisco's Glide Memorial United Methodist Church. It'd be interesting to see it and see if people are supposed to choose sides. It strikes me that ordinary Americans can also be interested in thinking about and discussing world politics and what's going on in Iraq. Nina said it'll be at Tinseltown.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-07T17:38:58-06:00

ID

85325

Comment

These are very funny; if Letterman isn't careful, he's going to be as funny as Jon Stewart. ;-) Letterman's Top Ten List: Top Ten George W. Bush Complaints About "Fahrenheit 9/11": 10. That actor who played the President was totally unconvincing † 9. It oversimplified the way I stole the election 8. Too many of them fancy college-boy words 7. If Michael Moore had waited a few months, he could have included the part where I get him deported 6. Didn't have one of them hilarious monkeys who smoke cigarettes and gives people the finger 5. Of all Michael Moore's accusations, only 97% are true 4. Not sure - - I passed out after a piece of popcorn lodged in my windpipe 3. Where the hell was Spider-man? 2. Couldn't hear most of the movie over Cheney's foul mouth 1. I thought this was supposed to be about dodgeball

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-07T20:25:48-06:00

ID

85326

Comment

No. 2 is my favorite, BTW.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-07T20:26:54-06:00

ID

85327

Comment

All, we can probably get a copy of this to screen somewhere like Flashback: "Embedded: Weapons of Mass Deception" My friend, Danny Schechter, a very respected TV producer-turned-documentarian and media critic, did the film and has said we can show it. What do you think? You can watch the trailer at the site. (FYI: Danny is much less caustic than Michael Moore, and much more docu- than -tainment. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-08T19:38:27-06:00

ID

85328

Comment

Embedded: Weapons of Mass Deception and Danny's great. Never met him, but read his blog regularly. He plugged The Thorn Papers, too, in one of his News Dissector emails, so I'm partial plus.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-07-08T19:46:50-06:00

ID

85329

Comment

Yeah, he's cool. I told him we're too po to bring him here for the screening, but the F601 Project could take up a collection for a plane ticket if y'all wanted to. He is a wonderful speaker, and so knowledgeable about the corporate media, from the inside out. He's screening it in Dallas this weekend, Philip.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-08T19:52:54-06:00

ID

85330

Comment

Moore is Less: http://www.blackcommentator.com/98/98_freedom_rider_911.html

Author

C.W.

Date

2004-07-08T22:26:48-06:00

ID

85331

Comment

not a bad idea at all, donna. i really want to this group move forward and continue, even after the flames of "burning bush" calm down a bit

Author

casey

Date

2004-07-08T23:12:18-06:00

ID

85332

Comment

Compelling piece, C.W. Some of my favorite parts of Moore's film were the parts about the 2000 Florida election, showing how blacks were disenfranchised--this is simply true, whether people want to believe it or not. I also enjoyed seeing the protests from the inauguration. I was both in Florida during the election morass and in Washington for the inauguration, covering them for the Village Voice, and I can tell you that the corporate media only showed selective bits of what was really happening. One of the sickest things in Florida were the groups of young, white Republican operatives brought in to harass the diverse staffs of people trying to count the votes. And Washington was one big protest, with people from all over the country, in to protest what they believe was a stolen election. It wasn't just a bunch of dirty, young WTO protesters, as some people might have believed. It was people from every walk of life. The protesters looked like America, and cut a strong contrast to all the women wearing long mink coats (in the rain!) and men wearing suits and reptile cowboy boots. (The Ken Lay crowd.) I spent a lot of my time in groups of African American protesters relegated behind the Capitol, in front of the Supreme Court building. They brought in a long row of buses to block them from view and left the engines and exhaust running, seemingly both to drown folks out and to perhaps suffocate us! (There's your conspiracy!) OK, they probably were just trying to disperse the protesters, no suffocate them. But it didn't work: it was pouring down rain, and people marched and chanted just the same. In fact, when Al Sharpton's group came through, he had Carolyn Goodman by his side, the elderly and amazing mother of Andrew Goodman, killed in Neshoba County in 1964. It was quite the day, but most Americans will never know much about it. The images in Moore's film brought the day back to me vividly.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-09T11:18:50-06:00

ID

85333

Comment

Casey, I heard from Danny this a.m. He said that the film will be completely finished by next month, and he'd be happy to set up a screening here. He was a civil rights volunteer in Canton in 1964, and would be great to speak to the audience. So maybe we will take up a collection through F601 to buy him a plane ticket if people are game.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-09T11:21:20-06:00

ID

85334

Comment

I wonder if it would make it more worth his while if we set up a screening up this way as well? If you speak to him again soon, Donna, ask if he'd like to hit Oxford as well.

Author

mitch

Date

2004-07-09T11:35:09-06:00

ID

85335

Comment

That's a great idea, Mitch. I bet that would be good and help sweeten the pot. I'll pass it along.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-09T11:37:40-06:00

ID

85336

Comment

yeah! good idea mitch! we need to propel all of mississippi, not just jackson. let me know when you find more out, Donna. I'll ask the Collective, too. Or we could set up one of those donations please buckets at one of our events.

Author

casey

Date

2004-07-09T11:42:09-06:00

ID

85337

Comment

Wunnerful. Consider it done. And, Casey, Danny would be really good for your fellow young journalists at Millsaps and other local colleges to meet as well. In fact, I first met him at a Committee to Project Journalists dinner in New York -- maybe we can get him to speak to would-be journalists while he's here, too. Here's his bio: http://www.newsdissector.org/dissectorville/bio_long.html

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-09T11:47:56-06:00

ID

85338

Comment

OK, this monster thread is out of control; it's taking too long to load. I'm going to close comments. Head to the other Fahrenheit 9/11 blog to continue the discussion: http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=3301_0_27_0_C

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2004-07-09T11:52:47-06:00

ID

85339

Comment

The Special Events Board with Crossroads has planned a special film series beginning this week and continuing through October. Come see a special screening of the French film Chaos this Saturday at Video Cafe and join us in early September as we kick off our indie film series. The tentative list of films (including trailers) are listed below. Stay tuned to F-601 for more details regarding this series! Hope to see y'all there. Chaos Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. Free, Video Cafe, 1804 N. State St. across from Millsaps View Trailer Coffee & Cigarettes SEPT. 13 - 7:30 p.m. Venue coming soon! View Trailer Super Size Me SEPT. 20 - 7:30 p.m. Venue coming soon! View Trailer Saddest Music In The World SEPT. 27 - 7:30 p.m. Venue coming soon! View Trailer Gypsy 83 OCT. 4 - 7:30 p.m Venue coming soon! View Trailer Shaolin Soccer OCT. 11 - 7:30 p.m. Venue coming soon! View Trailer The Clearing OCT. 18 - 7:30 p.m. Venue coming soon! View Trailer

Author

kaust

Date

2004-08-25T08:50:37-06:00

ID

85340

Comment

For those that didn't see F9/11 or want to see it again, it is available on DVD as of yesterday!

Author

kaust

Date

2004-10-06T07:50:37-06:00