Videovision to release provocative documentary in SA
Michael Moore's provocative film Fahrenheit 9/11 was released on 25 June in the United States and took in a whopping $21.8 million in its first three days, becoming the first documentary to debut as Hollywood's top weekend film. Fahrenheit 9/11 will be released in South African cinemas on 30 July by Anant Singh's Videovision Entertainment through United International Pictures.
The film has generated a powerful $25 115 per cinema average (ahead of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Shrek 2), posting the highest gross ever for a film opening in less than 1000 sites. As a comparison, Bowling For Columbine, Moore's 2002 Academy Award-winning grossed $21.6 million in the United States for its entire run.
Advance preview screenings in South Africa will take place at selected cinemas from 8pm on Sunday, 25 July 2004.
Anant Singh commented, "Fahrenheit 9/11 has emerged as one of the most controversial and most powerful documentaries ever made. Michael Moore's research into the events surrounding 9/11 and his criticism of US President, George W. Bush is certainly startling. There has been a great deal of interest in the film in South Africa and we are confident that the film will achieve critical and box office success in the country. We are proud to be distributing Fahrenheit 9/11 in South Africa."
The film also created a huge demand on the web, with the Michael Moore website receiving 20 million hits a day, and 30 million the day the trailer went online on www.michaelmoore.com. A special ticket website was also created to cope with the unprecedented demand to see the film.
Fahrenheit 9/11 is determinedly truthful, scathingly funny, intensely thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. It combines rare footage, expert testimony, and Moore's one-of-a-kind persistent hunt for answers to tough questions, the film takes on the burning issues facing America today. Moore turns a sceptical lens on President George W. Bush and his inner circle, who ignored the Saudi connection to 9/11 and instead, rushed headlong towards war on Iraq.
After the Cannes triumph which included a 20 minute standing ovation, Moore and Fahrenheit 9/11 made their United States bow 10 days ago at a special screenings in Los Angeles and New York which were packed with Hollywood heavyweights.
Fahrenheit 9/11 caused controversy when the film's original backers, Disney – whose Miramax film unit produced the movie – pulled out, citing concerns over its apparent political bias. Harvey and Bob Weinstein, the founders of Miramax, personally bought back the rights from parent company Disney.
The trailer of Fahrenheit 9/11 may be viewed on the web by following the link on www.videovision.co.za.
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