Home Entertainment 

Story

Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Gets June Release Date

Controversial Documentary Hits Theaters June 25

Updated: 8:26 am MDT June 2, 2004

Michael Moore's controversial documentary that criticizes President George W. Bush's handling of the Sept. 11 attacks has landed a distribution deal in the United States.

Michael Moore "Fahrenheit 9/11" will be released June 25 by a partnership that includes a group formed by Miramax heads Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Lions Gate Films and IFC films.

The Weinstein brothers recently bought the film from Miramax's parent company Walt Disney, which refused to distribute the film because of its political implications.

Disney chief Michael Eisner had said that consumers of the company's theme parks and entertainment "do not look for us to take sides."

"Fahrenheit 9/11" won the coveted Palme D'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival in France last month, making it the first documentary since 1956 to take the top prize. Four of the nine judges in the festival's jury -- which was led by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and included actress Kathleen Turner -- were American.

Moore thanked the partners in the distribution group in a statement -- and, not surprisingly, took a shot at the Bush administration in the process.

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

In addition to Bush's handling of the Sept. 11 attacks, the film also scrutinizes the president's Iraq war policy and examines the connections between the Bush and bin Laden families.

In a settlement reached last week with Disney, the Weinsteins repaid the company for all costs of the film to date, estimated at around $6 million. As part of the deal, the profits from the film's distribution that go to Miramax or Disney will be donated to charity.

Moore won an Oscar in 2002 for his "Bowling for Columbine," an examination of the American gun culture.

He shamed Bush during his acceptance speech, receiving a mixture of cheers and jeers for his remarks.