Michael Moore is fighting for the little guy once again, this time he is trying to wedge more documentaries and foreign films into theatres. We get the scoop from the fabled caves of Yahoo:
“My new year’s resolution is to sit down with the heads of exhibition chains and have them devote one screen in their multiplexes to nonfiction and foreign films,” Moore said. He said he’s spoken with fellow documentary directors to join him in the initiative, including board members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ documentary branch, though it is unclear if AMPAS would be officially involved.The director of four of the top-grossing docus of all time (“Fahrenheit 9/11,” “Roger & Me,” the Oscar-winning “Bowling for Columbine” and the just-announced Oscar nominee “Sicko”) wants to use his influence with exhibitors to make this happen. “If not me, then who?” he said. “I’m the one who got through the door.” “This could be on the 15th screen of a multiplex that would otherwise have the sixth showing of the new “Harry Potter” movie. Some of these films make $200 or $300 per screen.”
I think this is flat out awesome. Where I am from, it is hard as hell sometimes to see an indy, foreign or documentary film. I usually have to drive to Toronto and even then, sometimes a movie doesn’t come around. You basically concede and wait for the film to come out on DVD. Moore makes a great point in the multiplex, it seems we have more screens than ever, and the opportunity for variety should be utilized.
I think it is fantastic that Moore is trying to eek out space for these types of film. If he is able to cut a deal with some major chains of theaters; this could be a fantastic victory for all. Many people want to see documentary film and it is cool that one of the genres champions are now giving back to those that are staring out. Moore doesn’t need handouts for himself, he has made it; he could film a squirrel eating peanuts for 90 min and it would get 2 screens at the AMC this weekend.
I am pumped about this news and hope that Moore is successful in his battle!
