Sundance and Court TV Air Four Films That Focus On the First Amendment (Barf Alert)

SFGate.com ^ | 12-02-04 | Frazier Moore

[fat city]

(12-02) 12:03 PST NEW YORK (AP) --

If you don't think the First Amendment is a burning issue, you've already forgotten the ruckus over "Saving Private Ryan" just three weeks ago.

Spooked by how the Feds might punish them, 66 ABC affiliates played safe by squelching that acclaimed, ultrapatriotic war film. Their excuse was its handful of swear words

A case of prior restraint imposed by the government? Not exactly -- but, with 66 stations caving in to a perceived threat from the Federal Communications Commission, it's the next best thing.

This is an excellent time, then, for "The First Amendment Project," four short films that, seizing various entry points, examine with flair what "freedom of expression" really means -- and the threats it's facing.

In an unusual partnership, this series has been co-produced by Sundance Channel and Court TV -- both of which will air each half-hour film.

Premiering Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST on Sundance and at 10 p.m. on Court TV:

* "Fox v. Franken" revels in Fox News Channel's quixotic crusade to bar publication of Al Franken's book "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right." Directed by Chris Hegedus and Nick Doob ("The War Room"), this film investigates, in aptly cheeky style, the First Amendment implications of cribbing a trademarked phrase (Fox's "Fair and Balanced" slogan) for the purpose of parody.

Despite Fox host Bill O'Reilly's ire that his photo was on the book cover (and Fox's legal complaint that Franken was "deranged") the First Amendment stood firm against the Fox lawsuit -- while, fueled by the publicity, Franken's book shot to the top of the best-seller list.

* Right after that, "Poetic License" recalls the clash between New Jersey's poet laureate Amiri Baraka and his government

[fat city]

Al Franken. Amiri Baraka. John Waters. Great artists get to bash conservatives and its not even PBS. In the name of the Noble Cause of the First Amendment. If only they'd read the rest of the Bill of Rights.

[msnimje]

What about Sinclair Broadcasting? Why doesn't the first amendment apply to them? Or the Swift Boat Vets?

[Rummyfan]

And tomorrow night will there be short films highlighting and celebrating the Second Amendment????

[JLS]

Yep I was just about to ask. Where are the films about:

1. Dims threatening tv stations if they get power?

2. PC speech codes on college campus?

[fat city]

...or getting Rush Limbaugh thrown off Armed Forces Radio?... or reinstituting the "Fairness Doctrine"? ...or.....

[wildbill]

They were worried about swear words?????

Every day and night the public airwaves are treated to just about every swear word in English by the networks, much less the cable companies.

[rushfreedom]

And they wonder why the east coast elitist lost the election. This show is a complete Hate America First show. Of course it will be shown to our kids in our schools as a part of free speech.

[Humidston]

I just caught the last 15 minutes of this piece of leftist crap, and I'm furious. Sponsored by Barnes and Noble, the part I caught was someone from the ACLU and a leftist ... No... Let's call him a "Progressive" college professor, and these people were "explaining" the religious right and their/our ties with those mean old Jooooos who hate the pathetic and beleaguered Palestinians.

This totally bites. And you'll NEVER CATCH ME IN ANOTHER BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK STORE AGAIN! They can take their so-called tripe and stick it where the sun don't shine.

[fat city]

Thanks for taking one for the team- even if it was only 15 minutes.