Wednesday, May 5th, 2004

Disney Has Blocked the Distribution of My New Film... by Michael Moore

Friends,

I would have hoped by now that I would be able to put my work out to the public without having to
experience the profound censorship obstacles I often seem to encounter.

Yesterday I was told that Disney, the studio that owns Miramax, has officially decided to prohibit
our producer, Miramax, from distributing my new film, "Fahrenheit 9/11." The reason? According to
today's (May 5) New York Times, it might "endanger" millions of dollars of tax breaks Disney
receives from the state of Florida because the film will "anger" the Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush.
The story is on page one of the Times and you can read it here (Disney Forbidding Distribution of
Film That Criticizes Bush).

The whole story behind this (and other attempts) to kill our movie will be told in more detail as the
days and weeks go on. For nearly a year, this struggle has been a lesson in just how difficult it is
in this country to create a piece of art that might upset those in charge (well, OK, sorry -- it WILL
upset them...big time. Did I mention it's a comedy?). All I can say is, thank God for Harvey
Weinstein and Miramax who have stood by me during the entire production of this movie.

There is much more to tell, but right now I am in the lab working on the print to take to the Cannes
Film Festival next week (we have been chosen as one of the 18 films in competition). I will tell you
this: Some people may be afraid of this movie because of what it will show. But there's nothing
they can do about it now because it's done, it's awesome, and if I have anything to say about it,
you'll see it this summer -- because, after all, it is a free country.

Yours,

Michael Moore

mmflint@aol.com

http://www.michaelmoore.com