Reply #72: story from Daily Variety -- Moore branded a "domestic enemy:" [View All]

 Posted: Mon., Jun. 14, 2004, 5:06pm PT
 
Org ignites '9/11' fight
Move America Forward aims to chill doc's B.O. prospects
 
By DAVID ROONEY


NEW YORK -- A conservative group that pressured CBS to cancel "The Reagans" miniseries last year now is leaning on U.S. theater owners to drop Michael MooreMichael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" from their release lineup.

Dubbed Move America Forward, the new org was formed last month to rally support for U.S. troops in Iraq and for the Bush government's proclaimed war on terrorism. "Michael Moore has the right to free speech," said MAF chairman Howard Kaloogian. "But so do millions of Americans who find his anti-military propaganda and attacks on our troops offensive."

Kaloogian is a former Assemblyman from Carlsbad, Calif. who was active in last year's gubernatorial recall.

Describing documaker Moore as a "domestic enemy," MAF urged the public to take a stand against the film and its director, supplying phone contacts and personal email addresses for execs at national and local theaters where "Fahrenheit" has been booked. That list includes both mainstream commercial chains and specialty exhibs, among them Loews Cineplex and Landmark Theaters.

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"One of the most important lessons everyone can take from 'Fahrenheit 9/11,' whether they support the war in Iraq, oppose the war or are undecided, is that we need less censorship in this country, not more," said Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Films Releasing. "With that in mind, it is particularly distressing to see certain organizations calling for the censorship of this film."

Separately, distribs are preparing an appeal against the Motion Picture Assn. of America's decision to give the film an R rating.

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