Posted on 05/27/2004 9:26:51 PM PDT by Rennes Templar
May 27, 2004 | Filmmaker Michael Moore filmed an interview with American Nicholas Berg in the course of producing his documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" before Berg left for Iraq, where he was taken hostage and killed, Moore confirmed to Salon in a statement Thursday. The 20 minutes of footage does not appear in the final version of "Fahrenheit 911," according to the statement.
Word of the footage reached Salon through a source unaffiliated with Moore or his film "Fahrenheit 9/11," which is reported to feature stark images of U.S. civilians and soldiers grappling with conditions in war-torn Iraq, as well as examining the relationship between President George W. Bush and the bin Laden family. It received the Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's highest honor, on Saturday.
In a statement widely circulated by Moore's people after an initial request for comment by Salon, Moore said, "We have an interview with Nick Berg. It was approximately 20 minutes long. We are not releasing it to the media. It is not in the film. We are dealing privately with the family." Moore's camp declined to comment further on any aspect of the interview. Because the footage is not in the film, a spokeswoman for Miramax Films, the production company behind "Fahrenheit 9/11," said the company had no comment.
It was not clear from Moore's statement whether footage from the interview with Berg had ever been included in early cuts of "Fahrenheit 9/11." Reports about a film industry controversy surrounding distribution of the film first hit the news on May 5, a week before Berg's death. The film officially screened for the public and the press for the first time during the Cannes festival on May 17.
The news that Moore spoke to Berg while he was still in the United States only adds to the mystery surrounding the young man's presence in Iraq and tragic death. The interview was shot before the 26-year-old Berg left for Iraq late last year as a private contractor in the hopes of helping to rebuild the ravaged country. Though it was unclear what Berg spoke about in his interview with Moore, or how the two men met, unrelated reports following his death indicate that he headed for the Middle East with plans to work to improve the country's technological infrastructure and communication abilities. He ran his own company, Prometheus Methods Tower Service, in a suburb of Philadelphia.
Berg did not find employment in Iraq, and when he attempted to return to the United States he was detained by Iraqi police and questioned by American forces. He was released after his family complained. But shortly after, he is believed to have been kidnapped by Islamic terrorists. Video of his beheading was released on an Islamist Web site on May 11. Salon was unable to reach the Berg family for comment before publication.
Moore's film chronicles the United States' military, political and business involvement in the Middle East in the years before and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. His previous politically charged films, including "Roger & Me" and "Bowling for Columbine," have created controversy and won him praise (including an Oscar, for "Columbine"). "Fahrenheit 9/11" has already sparked a media storm; in early May, Miramax's parent company, Disney, announced that it would not allow Miramax to distribute the film, which is highly critical of Bush and his administration.
Miramax has yet to make a deal with a distributor, though the film's warm reception at Cannes and the publicity surrounding the film have made it a hot property that is generating a lot of interest in Hollywood. "Bowling for Columbine" grossed $21 million, making it the highest-grossing non-IMAX documentary of all time.
A source close to "Fahrenheit 9/11" said that a new distributor will be announced shortly, and that the film is expected to be released in theaters during the first week of July, as originally planned.
The American girl rotting in a Peruvian jail was convicted of doing scouting work for Tupac Amaru revolutionary terrorist group. She went into Peruvian govt buildings on her gringa face and passport, and made extensive notes on guard placements etc.
Just a thought.
Lori Berenson's mom is as big a moveon.oeg lib as Berg's father. I know. I went to the school where her mother teaches.
I'm speaking of Kenya 98 above.
Got that adult beverage thang working? I do!
You know, my third grade teacher taught two of the thugs who helped to murder Yusef Hawkins, and you don't see me broadcasting it all over the place, now do you?
LOL okay I'll stop
If you were a dedicated life-long brainwashed "anti-imperialist" you might find yourself doing pre-bombing reconaissance for Tupac Amaru, or Al Qaeda, trading on your American face and passport for access.
Of course, if you were smart, you'd claim to be a Bush Republican, 180* out of phase with your commie parents.
very good point...the way things are lining up with Nick Berg, it's just too much coincidence. I'd hate to think he was working with other side but it sure looks like it.
We were sitting there talking to his friend Katherine, when she brought up the fact that she had gone to elementary or junior high school with one of Edward Said's children; it was some tony Manhattan prep school, but that's beside the point.
Immediate interruption courtesy of my big brother; "Yeah, we don't care about that! You went to school with the chick from Buffy!"
True story.
He was either working for the other side straight out, or he was a double for us. The "100 incredible coincidences theory" don't wash with me.
It's not everyday you sit next to a terrorist on a bus. If he was on the other side, his little foray into terrorist fun proved fatal. At least Lori has some years to think about it. No wonder why these libs like to talk their crap from afar where it's safe.
Imagine being dedicated commie parents who raise your kids to go out and help anti-civilization terrorists. Not much different from the Palis.
good point
I'm outta here, gotta sign off for tonight.
enjoy your weekend and memorial day sir... thanks
SHAME ON YOU MR MOORE, SHAME ON YOU.
YOU'RE GOING DOWN MICHAEL MOORE, YOU ARE GOING DOWN.
I think you've got it.
Lori Benson's mother is in Moveon.org??? Crikey!!! this group is the OPPOSITE of Neo-Cons!!
Nah I don't know if she actually is a moveon.org person but just using that to illustrate what a flaming lib her mom is. She used to put up posters whining about her daughter's treatment. Waaaaaah... you lie down with dogs, you get fleas sweetie is what I say.
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