First Amendment Project

At a time when freedom of speech has never been more important Sundance Channel presents films from THE FIRST AMENDMENT PROJECT a highly innovative and wildly entertaining anthology from a group of award-winning indie filmmakers. Join Mario Van Peebles (Baadasssss!); Chris Hegedus & Nick Doob (The War Room); and John Walter (How to Draw a Bunny) as they explore First Amendment rights through the headline-grabbing moments where our Constitution's integrity has been tested. Laugh along with political comedian Al Franken as he battles Fox News over a ridiculous trademark infringement case; consider the implications of state-sponsored art through the firestorm that erupted when activist writer and New Jersey Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka read a controversial poem about 9/11; and scrutinize the right to protest versus the need for public security against the backdrop of the 2004 Republican National Convention. Challenging viewers to examine their understanding of civil liberties these films masterfully illustrate instances when unpopular irreverent and politically incorrect expression ran against prevailing attitudes and powerful interests. DVD Features: Fox vs. Franken Comic Strips; Mario van Peebles: Interview Outtakes; Performance of "Somebody Blew Up America" by Amiri Baraka; Amiri Baraka: Outtakes; Amiri Baraka Statement; "Alternative" R.N.C. Photo Gallery; Deleted Scene: Profile of a Protestor; Filmmaker Biographies; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection.

Director: Chris Hegedus
Director: Nick Doob
Producer: Eli Kabillio
Producer: Julie Davis
Actor: Bill O'Reilly
Actor: Floyd Abrams
Actor: Al Franken