  urlLink Michael Moore's new documentary blocked by Disney. Oscar-winning film-maker Michael Moore's latest documentary may be in cold storage following a reported row between its distributor, Miramax, and parent company Disney. According to the industry newspaper Variety, the Walt Disney Company has moved to prevent the company run by the Weinstein brothers from releasing Fahrenheit 911, which links US president George Bush to Osama bin Laden and members of other powerful Saudi business families. The follow-up to the anti-gun film Bowling for Columbine is still set to premiere at the Cannes film festival later this month, but does not currently appear on Miramax's summer schedule. There had been suggestions of a July release. If true, Disney's move to block the new film's release would not be the first time Moore has been censored. In 2001, the release of the comedian and satirist's book Stupid White Men was blocked by publisher HarperCollins, who threatened to pulp printed copies, arguing that the book's attack on the US government was inappropriate in the months after September 11. Following a campaign by Moore, the book was eventually published and went on to top the New York Times bestseller list. A Miramax spokesman told Variety the company was "looking forward to resolving this amicably". Disney itself was unavailable for comment, said the paper.
Fahrenheit 911 was originally the subject line of a February 2002 email from Moore to supporters accusing HarperCollins of failing to publish Stupid White Men because of its criticism of Mr Bush. Moore has been relentless in his criticism of the government and used his Oscar acceptance speech in 2003 to further condemn the administration, calling Mr Bush "a fictitious president". No matter on your politics or your opinion of Michael Moore, this seems a stupid move of Disney's part because they are going to end up looking like the 'bad guys' in the end.
Any moves to block the film will see protests similar to the one HarperCollins experienced. You'd have to say the move looks good for Bush. Bowling For Columbine was a big success that got everyone talking, and it would not help GWB's re-election to have some of his families dubious connections mentioned (another one for your interest - there appears to be evidence that Prescott Bush, George Snr's father, made a lot of money dealing with the Nazi's in WWII). However, this block will give the film even more publicity so could actually bring this stuff into sharper focus.
From his urlLink website: 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 
