This is actually another HotDocs post. I was finishing up my coverage of the festival, and was reminded of a panel discussion that included Samira Goetschel. Her film, Our Own Private Bin Laden, which I didn’t get a chance to see, is described in the program as the filmmaker’s attempt “to understand the rise of Islamic militant fundamentalism that resulted in the destruction of the World Trade Center” and explores the idea that the media’s coverage of bin Laden is actually serving his PR goals. Goetschel is Iranian-born, residing in Canada and this is her first film. Her screening at HotDocs was her North American premiere. The film did screen and took prizes at European festivals.

The item of note regarding this film was that as her film started to make its way around the festival circuit, she had been contacted by several US festivals including a “Big One” and asked to submit. Having worked for festivals, I understand that in trying to get the best program together, films are invited to submit that sometimes don’t wind up in the program. However, Goetschel had been in discussions about attending festivals; discussions that presumably would not have been initiated if they weren’t seriously considering having the film. So, Samira’s predicament is that HotDocs was her first screening though the film was completed in 2005 and the implication was the topic was too contentious to screen in the US.

I realize that there are a lot of variables at work here - I should see the film. But I’m wondering if other makers have had this feeling of censorship? Or do you know of a film that was, in effect, censored? I’m sure I’m being naive to be surprised by this, but how could it be that no US festival would take on the challenge of showing such a film? Kind of reminds me of the Afghan Massacre: The Convoy of Death screening with Jamie Doran that we did at American University.