Posted on 08/22/2006 11:30:09 AM PDT by presidio9
The politically charged documentary "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing" has been picked up for worldwide distribution by the Weinstein Co.
A release is tentatively scheduled for the fall, possibly right before the November elections.
The film revolves around the aftermath of singer Natalie Maines' statement at a 2003 London concert, where she said, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."
It chronicles death threats, political attacks and radio boycotts against the country trio, and that could make the film a political hot potato as well as potential ammo should longtime Democratic party supporter Harvey Weinstein become involved in the fall political campaigns.
Asked why she and co-director/producer Barbara Kopple chose to go with the Weinstein Co., Cecilia Peck said, "They made a great offer," though no figures were disclosed. Such companies as Focus Features and Picturehouse expressed interest in the documentary a few months ago.
Sources involved in the negotiations said some parties in the documentary's camp wanted to screen the entire film for several indie distributors, while others only wanted a 15-minute highlight reel to be shown. Eventually only two final bidders were allowed to see a complete rough cut of the film: the Weinstein Co. and Sony Pictures Classics, a sister company of the Dixie Chicks' Columbia Records label.
"I am extremely proud to be associated with this film because it's not only an outstanding and creative piece of work, but it also exposes our responsibility as Americans to confront our fundamental right to freedom of speech," Weinstein said.
Kopple said plans for a grassroots promotional campaign are still being discussed, and Peck said the film is likely to be a hot topic in the approaching elections. "It deals with freedom of speech, censorship and other important issues," Kopple said. "It looks at the cost of standing up for what you believe in."
The documentary still is being completed ahead of its world premiere at next month's Toronto International Film Festival.
In addition to chronicling the lives of Maines and bandmates Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, Kopple said the documentary features clips from 15 of the Dixie Chicks songs and a new one written especially for the film, though no soundtrack is planned. "You definitely feel like you're in the front row of a Dixie Chicks concert," Peck said.
After the whinning, the GOP takes more seats.
The screeching hags think they are victims, huh. Well they certainly are victims of exceedingly low IQs.
Sounds like they are taking a page straight out of the Michael Moore playbook.
About as many people in the U.S. will see this movie as are currently going to their concerts...
Ditzy Peeps become an election issue only to the demoncrazies and the mass media who have become the demoncRATS lap dog.
Why pay 10 bucks to see a movie that makes you feel like you're in the front row at a Dixie Chicks concert when you can buy a nosebleed ticket to a Dixie Chicks concert for 8 bucks and then sneak into the front row?
---
"It deals with freedom of speech, censorship and other important issues,"
---
Oh good grief! No one too their freedom of speech away nor were they censored. Does the movie show that they are cry babies? Because that is what they are!
Correction above: No one TOOK!
I think Mr. Weinstein is a little unclear on the concept of free speech. Nobody said Maines could not open her mouth. Why is he comlaining about our right to respond.
Just another perennial Demo/Lib political ad masquerading as a "documentary" piece to avoid FEC scrutiny.
This can only help the GOP. These girls still don't realize how few fans they have left.
What did I miss? Are the Chicks in prison for political speech?
Most AP & Reuters stories headlines should be prefixed or suffixed with:
WE HOPE!
"Dixie Chicks documentary could be election issue"
That's what Han Solo would refer to as "delusions of grandeur".
So, do they cover 'Cry me a river'?
:-)
Hamlet. Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
Ophelia. No, my lord.
Hamlet. I mean, my head in your lap.
Ophelia. Ay, my lord.
Hamlet. Did you think I meant country matters? (III,ii)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.