Imagine if overnight, your only reliable news source became government propaganda. That’s exactly what happened in 2018 to the citizens of the Muscogee Nation: the fourth largest Native American tribe in the US. Out of 574 federally-recognized tribes, the Muscogee Nation was one of only five to establish a free and independent press—until the tribe’s legislative branch abruptly repealed the landmark Free Press Act in advance of an election.
The tribe’s hard-hitting news outlet, Mvskoke Media, would now be subject to direct editorial oversight by the tribal government. But one defiant journalist refuses to accept this flagrant act of oppression. As brave as she is blunt, veracious muckraker Angel Ellis charges headfirst into battle against the corrupt faction of the Muscogee National Council, inciting a voter-supported constitutional amendment just in time for the start of a new election cycle.
An enthralling, edge-of-your-seat nail biter that unfurls with the energy and suspense of a political thriller, Bad Press is a timely and unprecedented story about the battle for freedom of the press and against state-censored media.
The September 30 screening will be FREE and will feature an introduction by imagineNATIVE festival director Lindsay Monture and post-screening virtual Q&A with Bad Press co-director Joe Peeler in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This screening is offered for free with a suggested donation to the Hot Docs-Weengushk Film Institute Fund. 100% of donations collected will go directly to Weengushk to support their important work.
Tickets: $15 (Members from $10)
Presented in partnership with imagineNATIVE.
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