Fahrenheit 9/11

Fahrenheit 9/11 is a documentary by American filmmaker Michael Moore, which was widely released in the United States on June 25, 2004. The film has been described by the Los Angeles Times as "an alternate history of the last four years on the U.S. political scene." Fahrenheit 9/11 offers a satirical look at the administration of George W. Bush and the War on Terrorism.

The film debuted at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and was awarded the Golden Palm, the festival's highest award, by an international jury


The film deals with the causes and aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and with the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq. In the film, Moore also describes the links between the Bush family and associated persons, and prominent Saudi Arabian families (including that of Osama Bin Laden), a relationship spanning three decades.

While these business links are not disputed, they are not widely known, and Moore has previously alleged that the Bush administration turned a blind eye to Saudi links to terrorist groups (most of the hijackers were Saudis). In this vein, he also examines the government-sponsored evacuation of relatives of Osama Bin Laden after the attacks, over the objections of the FBI who wanted them for questioning. One of his primary sources for these claims is the book House of Bush, House of Saud by Craig Unger, which Moore also advertises on his website.

In April 2004, Moore posted a note on his web site regarding the progress of the film. In it, he stated that he was obtaining footage directly from Iraq:

"I currently have two cameramen/reporters doing work for me in Iraq for my movie (unbeknownst to the Army). They are talking to soldiers and gathering the true sentiment about what is really going on. They Fed Ex the footage back to me each week."

Originally planned for distribution by Icon Productions, Fahrenheit 9/11 was later picked up by Miramax after Icon released claims to the movie in May 2003, citing image conflicts while claiming the decision to be apolitical. Miramax had earlier distributed another film for Moore, The Big One, in 1997.

                                                                                   

In May 2004, Moore claimed that Disney (the parent company of Miramax) was blocking the distribution of Fahrenheit 9/11 in North America, citing a contractual clause expressly permitting it to do so in such cases as a prohibitive budget or explicit rating. However, Miramax executives indicate this is not the case in this instance. Disney states that both Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, as well as Miramax were advised in May 2003 that Miramax would not be permitted to distribute the film. Disney representatives allege that Disney has the right to veto any Miramax films if it appears that their distribution would be counterproductive to the interests of the company.

An unnamed Disney executive stated that the film is against Disney's interests not because of government business dealings, but instead to avoid being "dragged into a highly charged partisan political battle" and risk alienating customers. Emanuel stated that Michael Eisner, the chief executive of Disney, requested that he back out of the Miramax deal, expressing political concerns regarding the reactions of conservative politicians, especially tax breaks given to Disney properties (i.e., Walt Disney World), in Florida, where Jeb Bush is governor. Moore acknowledged in a later CNN interview that Disney had told him that they did not want the film the previous year. Despite that, Disney continued to fund Fahrenheit 911 with six million dollars throughout the remaining year of production.

On May 28, 2004, after more than a week of talks, Disney announced that Miramax film studio founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein had personally acquired the rights to the documentary from Walt Disney Co., after Disney, which owns Miramax, declined to distribute it. The film will be released under the newly formed company Fellowship Adventure Group, which will also take care of its home video distribution. Furthermore, a settlement was reached so that any profits from the film's distribution that go to Miramax or Disney will be donated to charity. The Weinsteins repaid their parent company for all costs of the film to date, estimated at around $6 million. They will also be responsible for all costs to finish the film and all marketing costs not paid by any third-party film distributors. Moore called the deal a "fair and equitable solution" and added that he was "grateful to them now that everyone who wants to see it will now have the chance to do so."

The film will be released in the U.S. by a partnership of Lions Gate Films, IFC Films and the Fellowship Adventure Group. The Weinstein brothers will personally finance and control distribution and marketing. Overseas rights have been sold to several other companies

Multimedia Home