14 DAY TRIAL // Michael Moore, director of “Fahrenheit 9/11,” has decided to put up for download his latest documentary. “Slacker Uprising,” his most recent film, will be available as of September 23 for every US or Canadian resident. Moore explains that the two reasons that determined him to waive his copyright for this movie were that people have always went to the theater and bought his DVDs (so it was about time he gave something back), and that 2008 marks the 20th year of his activity as a movie director.
“I've been very blessed and fortunate to have so many people come to my movies over these two decades, I decided why not bypass the studios and the exhibitors and make one that the fans can have for free, as a show of my profound appreciation of their support.” Michael Moore explains.
The director started working on the project four years ago and his purpose, as stated from the very beginning, was to convince young people – or slackers – to vote. In order to do this, he embarked on a tour across the US, presenting in a good light the advantages and the social responsibility that voting usually entails. Most pit stops were made in university campuses. Moore and his staff offered the attending students free underwear and noodles, which was interpreted by some universities (especially by those with a clear republican political orientation) as bribing.
Indeed, both the tour and the movie are anything but politically neutral, as Moore himself admits. “In the interest of fair warning, people who are not fans of mine will not like this movie,” he states cautiously. “This movie has way too much of me in it, and way too many tens of thousands of people liking what I'm saying. If you're a McCain fan, this film should probably be rated X.”
“Slacker Uprising” will be available for download for a period of three weeks after its release on the official SlackerUprising website. As of September 23, a low-cost DVD will also be available for purchase on the website and, two weeks later, in retails stores, on Amazon.com and on Netflix.
“This is being done entirely as a gift to my fans," says Moore. "The only return any of us are hoping for is the largest turnout of young voters ever at the polls in November. I think 'Slacker Uprising' will inspire millions to get off the couch and give voting a chance.” he concludes by saying.