CIFF

Bad Press

CIFF Streams

April 2, 2023 - April 9, 2023

directed by
Rebecca Landsberry-Baker
directed by
Joe Peeler
year
2023
country
USA
language
English, Mvskoke
runtime
98
closed captions
Yes
audio description
Yes
english subtitles
No

It’s David vs. Goliath in this nail-biting political thriller as censored Indigenous reporter Angel Ellis of Oklahoma goes up against a corrupt Muscogee Nation Tribal Council over the freedom of the press. Winner of the Sundance 2023 U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award. —M.G.


Though increasingly under attack, our right to freedom of the press is protected by the United States Constitution. As sovereign nations, Native American tribes determine their own laws and constitutions. And, surprisingly, out of 574 federally recognized Native American tribes, only five have passed laws protecting freedom of the press. One nation on the forefront of the battle for a free press is the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. After their 2015 Free Press Act is abruptly repealed, the leading newspaper, Mvskoke Media, launches a powerful fight against corruption to protect their jobs, their democracy, and transparency in their government. Focusing the lens on central subject Angel Ellis, a courageous and dedicated journalist at Mvskoke Media, BAD PRESS is an enthralling nail biter that unfurls its documentary plot with the energy and suspense of a narrative drama. —G.S. 


GUEST(S) ARE SCHEDULED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE FOR Q&A

Indigenous Cinema
CIFF47 Streams
Greg Gund Memorial Standing Up Competition
Reel Women Direct Award for Excellence in Directing By a Woman