The Berlinale will write to German far-right party Alternative for Germany amid an outcry after members were invited to the festival’s opening ceremony on February 15. By Sunday morning an open letter criticising the invitations had gone offline.
After the letter was signed by more than 200 film professionals from around the world, the festival issued a statement in which it said, “People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to democratic values are not welcome at the Berlinale.”
”We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.”
The Berlinale...
After the letter was signed by more than 200 film professionals from around the world, the festival issued a statement in which it said, “People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to democratic values are not welcome at the Berlinale.”
”We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.”
The Berlinale...
- 2/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Berlinale will write to German far-right party Alternative for Germany amid an outcry after members were invited to the festival’s opening ceremony on February 15. By Sunday morning an open letter criticising the invitations had gone offline.
After the letter was signed by more than 200 film professionals from around the world, the festival issued a statement in which it said, “People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to democratic values are not welcome at the Berlinale.”
”We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.”
The Berlinale...
After the letter was signed by more than 200 film professionals from around the world, the festival issued a statement in which it said, “People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to democratic values are not welcome at the Berlinale.”
”We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.”
The Berlinale...
- 2/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Berlinale will write to German far-right party Alternative for Germany ahead of the attendance of AfD members at the festival’s opening ceremony on February 15. By Sunday morning an open letter criticising the invitations of AfD politicians to attend the ceremony had gone offline.
After the letter was signed by more than 200 film professionals from around the world, the festival issued a statement in which it said, “People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to democratic values are not welcome at the Berlinale.”
”We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.
After the letter was signed by more than 200 film professionals from around the world, the festival issued a statement in which it said, “People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to democratic values are not welcome at the Berlinale.”
”We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.
- 2/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Elon Musk, an immigrant from South Africa, kicked off 2024 with a slew of tweets attacking the Biden administration over immigration numbers and advancing the dubious argument that the president welcomes those who enter the country illegally, viewing them as “future Dem voters.”
Since the end of December, Musk has left a graph pinned to the top of his profile on X (formerly Twitter) that claims to show how more migrants are now arriving at the southern border than there are babies being born to American mothers. “Almost no one seems...
Since the end of December, Musk has left a graph pinned to the top of his profile on X (formerly Twitter) that claims to show how more migrants are now arriving at the southern border than there are babies being born to American mothers. “Almost no one seems...
- 1/5/2024
- by Miles Klee
- Rollingstone.com
Controversial, far-right politician Geert Wilders could be on track to become the Netherlands’ next prime minister following a surprise victory in general elections overnight.
Preliminary figures showed that Wilders’ right-wing Freedom Party (Pvv) has gained 37 seats, putting it ahead of the GreenLeft-Labour party (Gl/Pvda) alliance with 25 seats and the liberal-conservative Freedom and Democracy Party (Vvd) with 25 seats.
The result marks a dramatic change in political fortunes for Wilders, whose Pvv party won just 17 seats in snap elections in 2021, following the collapse of a coalition government led by Mark Rutte.
Wilders’ controversial policies include an extreme clampdown on immigration; a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union, or “Nexit”, and Islamophobic measures including the suppression of Islamic schools, the Koran and mosques, although he cannot put the latter ambition in motion under Dutch laws protecting freedom of religion and expression.
Wilders made it clear in his victory speech that...
Preliminary figures showed that Wilders’ right-wing Freedom Party (Pvv) has gained 37 seats, putting it ahead of the GreenLeft-Labour party (Gl/Pvda) alliance with 25 seats and the liberal-conservative Freedom and Democracy Party (Vvd) with 25 seats.
The result marks a dramatic change in political fortunes for Wilders, whose Pvv party won just 17 seats in snap elections in 2021, following the collapse of a coalition government led by Mark Rutte.
Wilders’ controversial policies include an extreme clampdown on immigration; a referendum on the Netherlands leaving the European Union, or “Nexit”, and Islamophobic measures including the suppression of Islamic schools, the Koran and mosques, although he cannot put the latter ambition in motion under Dutch laws protecting freedom of religion and expression.
Wilders made it clear in his victory speech that...
- 11/23/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Czech-Swedish filmmaker Greta Stocklassa was only eight when the War on Terror began in 2001. In the years that followed, fellow Swede and former Un weapons inspector, Hans Blix, became a central figure in the investigation into weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. In her documentary “Blix Not Bombs,” Stocklassa interviews Blix, now 94 years old, about the period running up to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq 20 years ago.
In the docu, Blix describes his meetings with George W. Bush and Tony Blair, his frustration when Colin Powell gave his pivotal speech in the Un Security Council, and his feeling of emptiness when the U.S. started the invasion, despite his reports that his team had found no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Blix also argues that there was a butterfly effect that the Iraq War triggered: the invasion resulted in the overthrow of the Iraqi regime, and the breakup of the Iraqi army,...
In the docu, Blix describes his meetings with George W. Bush and Tony Blair, his frustration when Colin Powell gave his pivotal speech in the Un Security Council, and his feeling of emptiness when the U.S. started the invasion, despite his reports that his team had found no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Blix also argues that there was a butterfly effect that the Iraq War triggered: the invasion resulted in the overthrow of the Iraqi regime, and the breakup of the Iraqi army,...
- 4/25/2023
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
GlobeScreen Auditoriums has taken French rights to “Blix Not Bombs,” a documentary about former Un weapons inspector Hans Blix, who was given the task of looking for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, in the period running up to the U.S.-led invasion of the country 20 years ago.
The deal was closed by Toronto-based sales agent Syndicado Film Sales, which is also an executive producer on the film.
The film had its world premiere at Copenhagen documentary festival Cph:dox on Monday, the anniversary of the invasion.
In the film, Czech-Swedish filmmaker Greta Stocklassa interviews the Swedish diplomatic, now 94 years old, about what happened in the months leading up to war. He describes his meetings with George W. Bush and Tony Blair, his frustration when Colin Powell gave his pivotal speech in the Un Security Council, and his feeling of emptiness when the U.S. started the invasion, despite his...
The deal was closed by Toronto-based sales agent Syndicado Film Sales, which is also an executive producer on the film.
The film had its world premiere at Copenhagen documentary festival Cph:dox on Monday, the anniversary of the invasion.
In the film, Czech-Swedish filmmaker Greta Stocklassa interviews the Swedish diplomatic, now 94 years old, about what happened in the months leading up to war. He describes his meetings with George W. Bush and Tony Blair, his frustration when Colin Powell gave his pivotal speech in the Un Security Council, and his feeling of emptiness when the U.S. started the invasion, despite his...
- 3/24/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
“Amanda Knox” producer Stephen Robert Morse is launching development of projects based on the book “Sons of Wichita: How the Koch Brothers Became America’s Most Powerful and Private Dynasty.”
Morse has teamed with veteran producer Max Peltz to option the rights to create both fiction and non-fiction projects based on Daniel Schulman’s 2014 book about David and Charles Koch, the owners of Koch Industries. Morse is producing through Observatory LLC and Peltz through Cavendish Pictures Ltd.
David Koch died on Aug. 23 at the age of 79. The Koch brothers have used their massive fortune to further their political interests, and are often credited with giving rise to the Tea Party movement and helping land Donald Trump the presidency.
Morse said, “This is the most definitive story of a true American dynasty, and with so many potent political issues at the forefront, it is as relevant today as ever before.”
Divergent...
Morse has teamed with veteran producer Max Peltz to option the rights to create both fiction and non-fiction projects based on Daniel Schulman’s 2014 book about David and Charles Koch, the owners of Koch Industries. Morse is producing through Observatory LLC and Peltz through Cavendish Pictures Ltd.
David Koch died on Aug. 23 at the age of 79. The Koch brothers have used their massive fortune to further their political interests, and are often credited with giving rise to the Tea Party movement and helping land Donald Trump the presidency.
Morse said, “This is the most definitive story of a true American dynasty, and with so many potent political issues at the forefront, it is as relevant today as ever before.”
Divergent...
- 8/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
While the mainstream media continues to pretend that President Trump’s white supremacy is debatable, the same can’t be said for Rep. Steve King (R-ia), the most racist man in Congress for almost 20 years. On Thursday, the New York Times published a story fleshing out King’s anti-immigrant history, which includes a long-held belief that a wall should be constructed on America’s southern border. King also believes that whiteness is intrinsic to American culture, and that non-white immigrants represent an assault to the nation’s values. He doesn...
- 1/10/2019
- by Ryan Bort
- Rollingstone.com
New York City’s annual Doc NYC festival kicks off this week, including a full-to-bursting slate of some of this year’s most remarkable documentaries. If you’ve been looking to beef up on your documentary consumption, Doc NYC is the perfect chance to check out a wide variety of some of the year’s best fact-based features. Ahead, we pick out 14 of our most anticipated films from the fest, including some awards contenders, a handful of buzzy debuts, and a number of festival favorites. Take a look and start filling up your schedule now.
Doc NYC runs November 9 – 16 in New York City.
“EuroTrump”
Donald Trump may seem like a sui generis figure, a one-of-a-kind monster who was forged in a perfect storm of racism, tweets, and chaos, but history suggests that he’s really just a new breed of an old type. You don’t even have to look...
Doc NYC runs November 9 – 16 in New York City.
“EuroTrump”
Donald Trump may seem like a sui generis figure, a one-of-a-kind monster who was forged in a perfect storm of racism, tweets, and chaos, but history suggests that he’s really just a new breed of an old type. You don’t even have to look...
- 11/7/2017
- by Kate Erbland, David Ehrlich, Jude Dry, Anne Thompson, Chris O'Falt, Michael Nordine and Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Documentary centres on controversial Dutch politician Geert Wilders.
The Film Sales Company president Andrew Herwitz has picked up worldwide sales right to Wilders ahead of its debut at Sheffield Doc/Fest.
Stephen Robert Morse – who produced Netflix title Amanda Knox – and Nick Hampson directed Wilders and Morse co-wrote alongside executive producer Maria Springer.
The film centres on the right-wing politician Geert Wilders as he runs for Dutch prime minister and explores the life and work of a public figure known as the Dutch Donald Trump.
Wilders’ xenophobic stance against Muslim immigrants has led to death threats and forced him to live under constant protection for the past 12 years.
Herwitz reports early buyer interest in the English-language documentary heading into the first screening on June 12. The film screens a second time on June 13.
The Film Sales Company’s sales slate includes the European premiere of Forbidden Games and director jeff Malmberg’s Spettacolo, which Grasshopper...
The Film Sales Company president Andrew Herwitz has picked up worldwide sales right to Wilders ahead of its debut at Sheffield Doc/Fest.
Stephen Robert Morse – who produced Netflix title Amanda Knox – and Nick Hampson directed Wilders and Morse co-wrote alongside executive producer Maria Springer.
The film centres on the right-wing politician Geert Wilders as he runs for Dutch prime minister and explores the life and work of a public figure known as the Dutch Donald Trump.
Wilders’ xenophobic stance against Muslim immigrants has led to death threats and forced him to live under constant protection for the past 12 years.
Herwitz reports early buyer interest in the English-language documentary heading into the first screening on June 12. The film screens a second time on June 13.
The Film Sales Company’s sales slate includes the European premiere of Forbidden Games and director jeff Malmberg’s Spettacolo, which Grasshopper...
- 6/7/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
As any casual visit to Donald Trump’s Twitter feed will demonstrate, the 45th president nurses a lot of grudges. And it seems like Amanda Knox is one of the many people who has hurt his feelings It all came out in a New York Times profile Friday of Italian-American businessman George Guido Lombardi, a Trump Tower resident who has presented himself as a point of contact between the president and hard-right European political parties. The article contains many interesting details about Lombardi’s purported relationships with European white nationalists like Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders, albeit with plenty of implied side eye.
- 4/14/2017
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
This article originally appeared on Time.
(London) — Anger and dismay, along with congratulations from Europe’s far-right, rippled across the world Sunday as politicians, community leaders and even a sports star reacted to the entry ban U.S. President Donald Trump imposed on refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations.
As the realization sank in that people with dual-citizenship who live outside the targeted Mideast and African countries would be affected, condemnation mixed with concern about families with traveling members who could be prevented from returning to the United States they call home.
Olympic long-distance running champion Mo Farah — born in Somalia,...
(London) — Anger and dismay, along with congratulations from Europe’s far-right, rippled across the world Sunday as politicians, community leaders and even a sports star reacted to the entry ban U.S. President Donald Trump imposed on refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations.
As the realization sank in that people with dual-citizenship who live outside the targeted Mideast and African countries would be affected, condemnation mixed with concern about families with traveling members who could be prevented from returning to the United States they call home.
Olympic long-distance running champion Mo Farah — born in Somalia,...
- 1/29/2017
- by Lynne O'Donnell / AP
- PEOPLE.com
Amsterdam - Dutch Queen Beatrix on Thursday rejected as 'nonsense' right-wing criticism of her wearing a headscarf during a trip to Abu Dhabi, Dutch public radio Nos reported. The anti-Islam Freedom Party (Pvv) led by Geert Wilders had said the queen's decision 'legitimizes the oppression of women' and was 'a sad spectacle' during parliamentary questions. Queen Beatrix and Princess Maxima both wore headscarves during mosque visits in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and in Oman on Thursday. Dutch foreign minister, Uri Rosenthal, said she had acted 'out of respect for Islamic tradition' in both Gulf countries. Rarely had the 73-year-old queen ever aired her views on domestic politics so articulately, the daily De Volkskrant wrote. The Pvv supports the ruling...
- 1/12/2012
- Monsters and Critics
We asked last week what we should look for among the leaked Us embassy cables. Following last night's story on the Madeleine McCann investigation, here is a further instalment of user-suggested research – on the 2012 Olympics, Roman Polanski and the Dutch far right
• @AuMoulinVert asked for Olympics 2012
French presidential hopeful, Ségolène Royal, told Us diplomats French arrogance was partly to blame for Paris's lost bid to host the 2012 Olympic games. The games were awarded to London after a closely contested vote that saw both Tony Blair then French president Jacques Chirac fly to Singapore in July 2005 to make their case to delegates.
A confidential cable dated 17 February 2006 from the Us ambassador to Paris concerning a recent meeting with Royal said she had suggested, he wrote, a need "to find France's place in the world" with the French government showing less arrogance in how it speaks to the world. The latter factor,...
• @AuMoulinVert asked for Olympics 2012
French presidential hopeful, Ségolène Royal, told Us diplomats French arrogance was partly to blame for Paris's lost bid to host the 2012 Olympic games. The games were awarded to London after a closely contested vote that saw both Tony Blair then French president Jacques Chirac fly to Singapore in July 2005 to make their case to delegates.
A confidential cable dated 17 February 2006 from the Us ambassador to Paris concerning a recent meeting with Royal said she had suggested, he wrote, a need "to find France's place in the world" with the French government showing less arrogance in how it speaks to the world. The latter factor,...
- 12/15/2010
- by Simon Jeffery, Ben Quinn, Patrick Kingsley, Jason Rodrigues
- The Guardian - Film News
Thursday, 17 January 2008, 17:31
C O N F I D E N T I A L Section 01 Of 04 The Hague 000061
Sipdis
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (Tags And Signer)
Sipdis
Department For Eur/We, S/Ct, Inr
Department For CA/Ocs/Eur
Department For DS/IP/Eur
Eo 12958 Decl: 01/17/2018
Tags Prel, Pter, Pgov, Kinf, Kisl, Pinr, Nl
Subject: Dutch Prepared To Be Proactive On Release Of
Wilders Film On The Koran
Ref: A. The Hague 58
B. 11/29/07 Garro - Smith E-mail C. 07 The Hague 314
The Hague 00000061 001.3 Of 004
1. (C) Summary. The Dutch government and major municipalities are preparing contingency plans to respond to the anticipated release in early February of a short film expected to be critical of the Koran and of Islam made by Dutch Parliamentarian Geert Wilders. Extensive Dutch and international press reporting on the film has indicated that the film is likely to be inflammatory,...
C O N F I D E N T I A L Section 01 Of 04 The Hague 000061
Sipdis
C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (Tags And Signer)
Sipdis
Department For Eur/We, S/Ct, Inr
Department For CA/Ocs/Eur
Department For DS/IP/Eur
Eo 12958 Decl: 01/17/2018
Tags Prel, Pter, Pgov, Kinf, Kisl, Pinr, Nl
Subject: Dutch Prepared To Be Proactive On Release Of
Wilders Film On The Koran
Ref: A. The Hague 58
B. 11/29/07 Garro - Smith E-mail C. 07 The Hague 314
The Hague 00000061 001.3 Of 004
1. (C) Summary. The Dutch government and major municipalities are preparing contingency plans to respond to the anticipated release in early February of a short film expected to be critical of the Koran and of Islam made by Dutch Parliamentarian Geert Wilders. Extensive Dutch and international press reporting on the film has indicated that the film is likely to be inflammatory,...
- 12/15/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
For years I strove to warn the nation of this menace among us. I did so despite the barrage of abuse I received from her and her ideological pedicurists--vicious, personal comments which would have hurt my feelings, if I had any. I persevered despite the flak I received because I believed the danger that she presented to our sanity, decency, grammar, punctuation, fashion tastes, and political dialogue justified pointing the finger of shame at her and washing that finger thoroughly afterwards to return it to the pink of innocence. My work, so long reviled, has not been in vain. The alarms I raised have finally been heeded. For others, whose politics I do not share but whose reasoning capabilities remain intact, have also awakened to the crumby antics of blogdom's Sarah Palin of High-Decibel Disassociation, "Pamela Geller: Poster Girl for Eurofascists." I confess, the murky intricacies of European fringe-group activity...
- 4/24/2009
- Vanity Fair
Berlin -- A Dutch TV jury has found Osama bin Laden not guilty of the Sept. 11 attacks.
In the conclusion Wednesday night to the show "Devil's Advocate" on Dutch public broadcaster Nederland 2, the jury of two men and three women, along with the studio audience, ruled there was no proof bin Laden was the mastermind behind the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001.
The Netherlands, home to "Big Brother" creator Endemol, is known for being on the cutting edge of format-based television. But even for Dutch standards, "Devil's Advocate," from Amsterdam production house Avro, pushes the envelope.
The show features star defense attorney Gerard Spong standing up for some of the world's worst criminals.
In the latest show, Spong was able to convince the jury that bin Laden's connection to Sept. 11 was a product of "Western propaganda." The jury also ruled there was insufficient evidence to...
In the conclusion Wednesday night to the show "Devil's Advocate" on Dutch public broadcaster Nederland 2, the jury of two men and three women, along with the studio audience, ruled there was no proof bin Laden was the mastermind behind the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001.
The Netherlands, home to "Big Brother" creator Endemol, is known for being on the cutting edge of format-based television. But even for Dutch standards, "Devil's Advocate," from Amsterdam production house Avro, pushes the envelope.
The show features star defense attorney Gerard Spong standing up for some of the world's worst criminals.
In the latest show, Spong was able to convince the jury that bin Laden's connection to Sept. 11 was a product of "Western propaganda." The jury also ruled there was insufficient evidence to...
- 4/9/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amsterdam -- Right-wing Dutch politician Geert Wilders is planning a sequel to his anti-Muslim film "Fitna," the local daily De Telegraaf reported Tuesday. The move comes after the Dutch Ministry of Justice on Monday decided not to prosecute him for inciting hatred of Muslims with his film denouncing the Koran.
About 40 complaints were filed against Wilders by both Muslim and non-Muslim organizations in the Netherlands after "Fitna" was released on the Internet. A number of those groups are thought to be considering appeals against the Dutch Prosecutors decision.
Wilders also was investigated for remarks published in the newspaper De Volkskrant calling the Koran fascist and calling for it to be banned.
In a statement, Wilders told the Associated Press he was not surprised by the decision because he had stayed within the boundaries of Dutch law.
About 40 complaints were filed against Wilders by both Muslim and non-Muslim organizations in the Netherlands after "Fitna" was released on the Internet. A number of those groups are thought to be considering appeals against the Dutch Prosecutors decision.
Wilders also was investigated for remarks published in the newspaper De Volkskrant calling the Koran fascist and calling for it to be banned.
In a statement, Wilders told the Associated Press he was not surprised by the decision because he had stayed within the boundaries of Dutch law.
- 7/1/2008
- by By Ab Zagt
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands -- Dutch Justice Minister, Ernst Hirsch Ballin, has urged local politician and ex-Muslim Ehsan Jami not to proceed with a new anti-Muslim film that could increase tensions in the Muslim community in the Netherlands.
Jami, a former member of the socialist party PvdA, is working on an animated film, called "The Life of Mohammed" that is believed to mock the prophet Mohammed. In one leaked scene, Jami shows the prophet with an erection while he takes his nine-year-old bride to a mosque.
"A film like this will definitely split the Dutch society," said Hirsch Ballin on Dutch radio.
Ehsan Jami, born in Iran but a Dutch citizen, is a local, independent politician from Voorburg (near The Hague). He is also the founder of the Central Committee for Ex-Muslims.
Like Geert Wilders, director of the controversial short "Fitna", Jami is also living under police protection from the Dutch government. He became known in Holland for statements in which he compared Islam with Nazism.
Jami plans to release his film on April 20, although further details were not available.
Jami, a former member of the socialist party PvdA, is working on an animated film, called "The Life of Mohammed" that is believed to mock the prophet Mohammed. In one leaked scene, Jami shows the prophet with an erection while he takes his nine-year-old bride to a mosque.
"A film like this will definitely split the Dutch society," said Hirsch Ballin on Dutch radio.
Ehsan Jami, born in Iran but a Dutch citizen, is a local, independent politician from Voorburg (near The Hague). He is also the founder of the Central Committee for Ex-Muslims.
Like Geert Wilders, director of the controversial short "Fitna", Jami is also living under police protection from the Dutch government. He became known in Holland for statements in which he compared Islam with Nazism.
Jami plans to release his film on April 20, although further details were not available.
- 3/31/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Prime Minister of The Netherlands has distanced himself from a controversial new anti-Islam film, insisting he "rejects" the theme of director Geert Wilders' project.
Jan Peter Balkenende has spoken out after Dutch lawmakers gave Wilders permission to screen his violent 15-minute film, warning him he could become the target of protesters.
The film sets verses from Islam's holiest book, The Koran, against the backdrop of terrorist attacks.
Upon hearing that top lawmakers had green-lighted Wilders' plans to screen the film, Prime Minister Balkenende said, "The film equates Islam with violence. We reject this."
The Netherlands was among the European nations targeted by violent protestors in 2006 when Muslims objected to anti-Islam cartoons, which mocked the prophet Muhammad, in local newspapers.
Jan Peter Balkenende has spoken out after Dutch lawmakers gave Wilders permission to screen his violent 15-minute film, warning him he could become the target of protesters.
The film sets verses from Islam's holiest book, The Koran, against the backdrop of terrorist attacks.
Upon hearing that top lawmakers had green-lighted Wilders' plans to screen the film, Prime Minister Balkenende said, "The film equates Islam with violence. We reject this."
The Netherlands was among the European nations targeted by violent protestors in 2006 when Muslims objected to anti-Islam cartoons, which mocked the prophet Muhammad, in local newspapers.
- 3/28/2008
- WENN
RELATED: Muslim nations condemn film
Anti-Koran film goes live on Web
AMSTERDAM -- The controversial anti-Muslim film by Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders has been removed from the Web by its British Internet provider, which said its employees have been seriously threatened.
"Following threats to our staff of a very serious nature and some ill-informed reports from certain corners of the British media that could directly lead to the harm of some of our staff, LiveLeak.com has been left with no other choice but to remove 'Fitna' from our servers," the company said.
The 15-minute short film was posted Thursday and taken down Friday and had been seen by some 3 million people. In the film, presented in Dutch- and English-language versions, Wilders claims that the Koran provokes violence, using Sept. 11, the attacks in Madrid and London and the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh as examples.
In the Netherlands, most local Muslim organizations appeared not to take the Wilders project seriously.
Anti-Koran film goes live on Web
AMSTERDAM -- The controversial anti-Muslim film by Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders has been removed from the Web by its British Internet provider, which said its employees have been seriously threatened.
"Following threats to our staff of a very serious nature and some ill-informed reports from certain corners of the British media that could directly lead to the harm of some of our staff, LiveLeak.com has been left with no other choice but to remove 'Fitna' from our servers," the company said.
The 15-minute short film was posted Thursday and taken down Friday and had been seen by some 3 million people. In the film, presented in Dutch- and English-language versions, Wilders claims that the Koran provokes violence, using Sept. 11, the attacks in Madrid and London and the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh as examples.
In the Netherlands, most local Muslim organizations appeared not to take the Wilders project seriously.
- 3/28/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
RELATED: Muslim nations condemn film
'Fitna' pulled from Web
UPDATED 6:17 p.m. PT March 28, 2008
AMSTERDAM -- Holland's prime minister roundly condemned the anti-Muslim film "Fitna" on Thursday within hours of its appearance on a Web site in the Netherlands.
The country's cabinet went into a crisis meeting directly after the "debut" of the controversial film by right wing politician Geert Wilders as police formed a security cordon around the Dutch Parliament building in the Hague.
"Fitna" links verses of the Quran to a background of violent images from terrorist attacks.
Wilders had been unable to get his film posted on the Web or broadcast, but at 7 p.m. Dutch time Thursday his political party PVV put a link to the 15-minute short on its Web site. English- and Dutch-language versions were posted at www.pvv.nl via a link to LiveLeak.com. No TV channels aired the film.
Local media immediately swarmed over the story with widespread speculation about the possible impact of the film's release.
'Fitna' pulled from Web
UPDATED 6:17 p.m. PT March 28, 2008
AMSTERDAM -- Holland's prime minister roundly condemned the anti-Muslim film "Fitna" on Thursday within hours of its appearance on a Web site in the Netherlands.
The country's cabinet went into a crisis meeting directly after the "debut" of the controversial film by right wing politician Geert Wilders as police formed a security cordon around the Dutch Parliament building in the Hague.
"Fitna" links verses of the Quran to a background of violent images from terrorist attacks.
Wilders had been unable to get his film posted on the Web or broadcast, but at 7 p.m. Dutch time Thursday his political party PVV put a link to the 15-minute short on its Web site. English- and Dutch-language versions were posted at www.pvv.nl via a link to LiveLeak.com. No TV channels aired the film.
Local media immediately swarmed over the story with widespread speculation about the possible impact of the film's release.
- 3/27/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands -- The U.S.-based Internet hosting service Network Solutions has taken Dutch rightwing politician Geert Wilders website www.fitnathemovie.com offline. Wilders was planning to use the site to premiere his anti-Muslim film "Fitna" on March 28.
Network Solutions, said it was investigating complaints that it may have breached guidelines on hate language. In a statement the company said it is investigating if the site of Wilders is "in violation of the Network Solutions Acceptable Use Policy."
Wilders had used the site until now only to make an announcement of the premiere of his 15-minute film: "Geert Wilders presents Fitna -- Coming Soon." On the same page a cover of the Koran was shown with the Arabic text "Allahu Akhbar" (God is Great). Wilders plans to prove in his film that the Koran is a fascist book that provokes violence.
Meanwhile it is getting more and more difficult for Wilders to show his film. A fortnight ago he cancelled the world premiere of his film in the Nieuwspoort center in The Hague set for March 28.
Network Solutions, said it was investigating complaints that it may have breached guidelines on hate language. In a statement the company said it is investigating if the site of Wilders is "in violation of the Network Solutions Acceptable Use Policy."
Wilders had used the site until now only to make an announcement of the premiere of his 15-minute film: "Geert Wilders presents Fitna -- Coming Soon." On the same page a cover of the Koran was shown with the Arabic text "Allahu Akhbar" (God is Great). Wilders plans to prove in his film that the Koran is a fascist book that provokes violence.
Meanwhile it is getting more and more difficult for Wilders to show his film. A fortnight ago he cancelled the world premiere of his film in the Nieuwspoort center in The Hague set for March 28.
- 3/26/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMSTERDAM -- U.S.-based Internet hosting service Network Solutions has taken Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders' Web site FitnaTheMovie.com offline. Wilders was planning to use the site to premiere his anti-Muslim film "Fitna" on Friday.
But Network Solutions now says it is investigating complaints that it may have breached guidelines on hate language. The company said it is investigating whether Wilders' site is "in violation of the Network Solutions Acceptable Use Policy."
Until now, Wilders had used the site only to make an announcement of the premiere of his 15-minute film, with the message: "Geert Wilders presents Fitna -- Coming Soon." On the same page, a cover of the Koran was shown with the Arabic text "Allahu Akhbar" (God Is Great). Wilders plans to prove in his film that the Koran is a fascist book that provokes violence.
Meanwhile, it is getting more and more difficult for Wilders to show his film. A fortnight ago he canceled Friday's world premiere of his film in the Nieuwspoort center in the Hague.
But Network Solutions now says it is investigating complaints that it may have breached guidelines on hate language. The company said it is investigating whether Wilders' site is "in violation of the Network Solutions Acceptable Use Policy."
Until now, Wilders had used the site only to make an announcement of the premiere of his 15-minute film, with the message: "Geert Wilders presents Fitna -- Coming Soon." On the same page, a cover of the Koran was shown with the Arabic text "Allahu Akhbar" (God Is Great). Wilders plans to prove in his film that the Koran is a fascist book that provokes violence.
Meanwhile, it is getting more and more difficult for Wilders to show his film. A fortnight ago he canceled Friday's world premiere of his film in the Nieuwspoort center in the Hague.
- 3/25/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMSTERDAM -- Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders on Tuesday canceled the March 28 news conference for his anti-Islam short "Fitna".
Wilder, who had planned to air the short film at a news conference at the Nieuwspoort press center in the Hague, said that paying for the necessary safety measures -- a reported $350,000 -- is too expensive a proposition.
On Tuesday, Wilders went on Dutch national TV to express his fear that a public presentation of his film might be impossible.
"Apparently, you have to be a millionaire to organize such an event," Wilders said. The politician stressed that his film still will be showing on his recently launched Internet site. "The sooner, the better", he added.
To date, no Dutch broadcaster has been willing to show an uncut version of "Fitna".
Wilder, who had planned to air the short film at a news conference at the Nieuwspoort press center in the Hague, said that paying for the necessary safety measures -- a reported $350,000 -- is too expensive a proposition.
On Tuesday, Wilders went on Dutch national TV to express his fear that a public presentation of his film might be impossible.
"Apparently, you have to be a millionaire to organize such an event," Wilders said. The politician stressed that his film still will be showing on his recently launched Internet site. "The sooner, the better", he added.
To date, no Dutch broadcaster has been willing to show an uncut version of "Fitna".
- 3/12/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
AMSTERDAM -- Dutch right-wing politician Geert Wilders said Thursday on Dutch national television that he will proceed with the release of his 15-minute anti-Koran short "Fitna", even though the local government has raised its national security level to "substantial."
Wilders still is looking for a local broadcaster to show the film this month. A survey, however, from several Dutch newspapers showed that none of the public and commercial broadcasters is willing to present the film without cuts.
On March 28, Wilders plans to present "Fitna" at an international news conference in Nieuwspoort, the historic newsroom center in the Hague, the political capital in the Netherlands. He is negotiating with authorities on the heavy security measures that will be needed.
If no broadcaster agrees to Wilders' demands, he plans to show his film on his recently launched Web site, FitnaTheMovie.com, which already contains a trailer. During his TV appearance, Wilders said he has finished the film in which he will show the current influence of the Koran on world affairs.
Wilders still is looking for a local broadcaster to show the film this month. A survey, however, from several Dutch newspapers showed that none of the public and commercial broadcasters is willing to present the film without cuts.
On March 28, Wilders plans to present "Fitna" at an international news conference in Nieuwspoort, the historic newsroom center in the Hague, the political capital in the Netherlands. He is negotiating with authorities on the heavy security measures that will be needed.
If no broadcaster agrees to Wilders' demands, he plans to show his film on his recently launched Web site, FitnaTheMovie.com, which already contains a trailer. During his TV appearance, Wilders said he has finished the film in which he will show the current influence of the Koran on world affairs.
AMSTERDAM -- Political pressure is mounting on Dutch politician and filmmaker Geert Wilders to not release his anti-Islamic short film "Fitna".
Netherlands Prime Minister J.P. Balkenende, foreign affairs minister M. Verhagen and the country's largest political party, the Christian-democratic CDA, this week all urged Wilders not to release his film.
The Dutch government considers Wilders' actions "irresponsible," local press reported, claiming that Wilders has no idea about the safety, economic and political consequences of his film, in which he attacks the Koran.
Dutch embassies in several Muslim countries already have expressed their concerns about the possible release of the film. The fear among the embassy staff is that the Netherlands could face the same problems that Denmark had several years ago with its newspaper cartoons mocking the prophet Mohammed.
Already, in seeming protest, a Dutch family film, the local Warner Bros. release "Waar Is Het Paard Van Sinterklaas" (Where Is Winky's Horse?), has been banned this week from a children's film festival in Cairo, Dutch radio station Wereldomroep reported Thursday.
Netherlands Prime Minister J.P. Balkenende, foreign affairs minister M. Verhagen and the country's largest political party, the Christian-democratic CDA, this week all urged Wilders not to release his film.
The Dutch government considers Wilders' actions "irresponsible," local press reported, claiming that Wilders has no idea about the safety, economic and political consequences of his film, in which he attacks the Koran.
Dutch embassies in several Muslim countries already have expressed their concerns about the possible release of the film. The fear among the embassy staff is that the Netherlands could face the same problems that Denmark had several years ago with its newspaper cartoons mocking the prophet Mohammed.
Already, in seeming protest, a Dutch family film, the local Warner Bros. release "Waar Is Het Paard Van Sinterklaas" (Where Is Winky's Horse?), has been banned this week from a children's film festival in Cairo, Dutch radio station Wereldomroep reported Thursday.
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