Disney Has Blocked the Distribution of My New Film...

by Michael Moore

Friends,

I would have hoped by now that I would be able to put my work out to the public
without having to experience the profound censorship obstacles I often seem to
encounter.

Yesterday I was told that Disney, the studio that owns Miramax, has officially
decided to prohibit our producer, Miramax, from distributing my new film, "Fahrenheit
9/11." The reason? According to today’s (May 5) New
York Times, it might "endanger" millions of dollars of tax breaks Disney receives
from the state of Florida because the
film will "anger" the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush. The story is on page one
of the Times and you can read it here (Disney
Forbidding Distribution of Film
That Criticizes Bush).

The whole story behind this (and other attempts) to kill our movie will be told
in more detail as the days and weeks go on. For nearly a year, this struggle
has been a lesson in just how difficult it is in this country to create a piece
of art that might upset those in charge (well, OK, sorry — it WILL upset them...big
time. Did I mention it’s a comedy?). All I can say is, thank God for Harvey Weinstein
and Miramax who have stood by me during the entire production of this movie.

There is much more to tell, but right now I am in the lab working on the print
to take to the Cannes Film Festival next week (we have been chosen as one of
the 18 films in competition). I will tell you this: Some people may be afraid
of this movie because of what it will show. But there’s nothing they can do about
it now because it’s done, it’s awesome, and if I have anything to say about it,
you’ll see it this summer — because, after all, it is a free country.

Yours,
Michael Moore
mmflint@aol.com
www.michaelmoore.com

05.05.2004
Collective Bellaciao