AAFES (PX) hoping to show 'Passion' film at theaters (Help our Troops)

Stars and Stripes ^ | Mar 2 | Charlie Coon

[xzins]

AAFES hoping to show 'Passion' film at theaters

By Charlie Coon, Stars and Stripes European edition, Monday, March 1, 2004

The controversial movie “The Passion of the Christ” might not be playing anytime soon at theaters on U.S. military bases.

Judd Anstey, a spokesman for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, which operates the theaters, said AAFES does not have a business relationship with the movie’s distributor, New Market.

Anstey said AAFES is trying to bring the movie to base theaters.

“AAFES has notified the companies that represent this distributor of our intention to offer this film to the military audience,” Anstey said in a written response to Stars and Stripes.

“At this time, we cannot provide a date on when [or] if the film will be available.”

“The Passion of the Christ,” which is rated R, opened Wednesday in the United States. The movie, directed by Mel Gibson, has generated interest and criticism because of its graphic depiction of Jesus’ last hours before his crucifixion and because some have said its portrayal of Jews is unfair.

“AAFES attempts to offer [in its theaters] every G, PG, PG-13 and R-rated film released by the industry,” Anstey said. “AAFES maintains contracts with all the major studios and two companies that represent small independent distributors.

“To the best of my knowledge, I can not recall any high-profile film AAFES did not screen in its theaters in the last six years.”

[xzins]

As a retired army chaplain, let me suggest that our troops and their families NEED the opportunity to see "The Passion" just like everyone else. (Especially those in harm's way who might just have this movie be a life-changing event for them.)

This article doesn't call for Americans to ask "Newmarket" or "Mel Gibson" for help in speeding this into PX theaters on bases around the world (and in tents in Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi), but it probably wouldn't hurt to send an email to either one.

Besides, this might be the only way the movie gets seen in some "Old Europe" countries. I had a total of 7 years in assignments in "Old Europe." Plenty of American movies had local nationals coming to see them as guests of military members.

Contact Newmarket Films at: info@newmarketfilms.com or at phone 212-303-1700; or fax 212-421-1163.

I could not find an official website or email for Mel Gibson "fan" inquiries. If anyone knows, please post it.

[xzins]

If this is on an inappropriate sidebar, please move it to one you consider more appropriate. Thanks.

[xzins]

For the consideration of the GNFI ping list. Thanks.

[bushfamfan]

This needs to be brought to Mel Gibson's attention.

[mystery-ak]

I have been told that bootlegged copies are already for sale in Kuwait.

[xzins]

I just sent the following email to Newmarket:

Dear Newmarket,

I’m a retired army chaplain and I’ve heard that our troops might not get to see Mel Gibson’s “The Passion” because there is no distribution agreement with the military PX (AAFES) system. Let us not deprive our soldiers of the opportunity to see your wonderful film due to red tape and paperwork. See the military’s newpaper article in Stars & Stripes explaining the problem here: http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=20772

I pray that you and AAFES can work this out. This might be the most important movie ever produced because of its potential to change lives. This is especially important for those risking their lives on the front lines. Please ensure there’s freedom for the PX to show this on the front lines to our troops….America’s real heroes. Thank you for listening.

(name block)
Chaplain (Retired) US Army
Pastor, United Methodist Church

[Professional Engineer]

Passion ping

[jpthomas]

I haven't been to a movie at an on-base theater in quite some time, but it has been my experience that they don't feature "first-run" movies until several weeks after they begin playing nationwide. They probably get a price discount for waiting until they've been out for awhile. Thus, even if they did already have a contractual relationship with "The Passion's" movie distributor, I wouldn't expect it to be shown on base for several more weeks. Let's hope they can come to an arrangement to allow them to do so.

[xzins]

You are correct. They are normally a few weeks behind. Let's hope this one gets worked out.

[xzins]

See #6

[SAMWolf]

Bump

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

“To the best of my knowledge, I can not recall any high-profile film AAFES did not screen in its theaters in the last six years.”

Scary thought ~ what IS acceptable to the PC police in this country and around the world.

We could make a very solid case that the continuing censorship of Christianity in the public square and on government ("by the people, for the people") property, along with the anti-Christian press, is threatening not only our families and communities, but our national security as well as the lives of our troops.

E-mail going out.

[xzins]

Thanks RC.

We know that France is already considering not allowing the film to be shown....using the "anti-semitic" defense. (Ironic in a country that is burning down synagogues.)

I wouldn't be surprised to see Germany follow France's lead. But if this is shown on PX screens, then they will see it in Germany -- at least on US bases.

[anniegetyourgun]

Thanks, x. I will also pray that it is shown.

[xzins]

thanks, annie

[SkyPilot]

Amen xzins!

Please, please, please help us get the word out. My family, friends, and co-workers can't wait to see this movie.

Your e-mails and faxes will help!

[xzins]

Hey, Sky. I left Bad Kreuznach in 2000...right before 1AD departed there in about. I see you're in Germany (or Iraq if deployed.)

Our prayers are with you!

X

[xzins]

Hey, Sky. I left Bad Kreuznach in 2000...right before 1AD departed there in about 2001. I see you're in Germany (or Iraq if deployed.)

Our prayers are with you!

X

[armymarinemom]

I really would like for some of our deployed troops to be able to see this movie. That would take cooperation beyond just contacting Newmarket to allow showing the movie in theaters. The forward operating bases are lucky to have news on the television.

[xzins]

Mom, aafes is selling them candybars and phone cards in Iraq. They can get them movies, too, if they can work out security and delivery details. If the troops can do uso shows, then they can do movies.

"The Passion" would be good for them to see.