Hard hitting media exposé to launch ‘Everyman Exposé'

19 September, 2005

A hard hitting exposé of the media coverage of the war in Iraq will open a new series by Hampstead's Everyman Cinema Club showcasing British and foreign independent productions deserving of media and public attention.

American filmmaker Danny Schechter's award-winning documentary 'WMD - Weapons of Mass Deception' - has its UK theatrical premiere at the Everyman on Sunday 16 October at 3pm. The filmmaker, a one time resident of the Hampstead community, will be present for a Q&A.

Schechter is an investigative journalist, author and blogger-in-chief of Mediachannel.org, a global media issues network. The film shows how corporate media outlets “did more selling than telling" about the war and helped make the war possible. While the film focuses on US networks, it features prominent British journalists as well as the role of Arab media. 'WMD' is an insider film with an outsider perspective often favourably compared to Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11.

Entitled 'Everyman Exposé', the programme will create awareness for feature films that have yet to gain a UK theatrical release whilst providing a genuine cinematic screening experience with paid-for admissions. This world renowned venue presents an ideal launch platform for such productions, with post-screening Q&A sessions to further attract its high calibre, influential customer base.

The Everyman's experience in screening unknown titles has already proved fruitful with 'Preventative Warriors' - a documentary examining the impact of George W Bush’s US foreign policy - attracting substantial audiences. Last year's highly original black comedy 'Chunky Monkey' starring Shameless actor David Threfall opened to four successive sell-out screenings before touring the UK and was recently re-released by Revolver Entertainment theatrically and on DVD in August 2005.

Recent pre-release screenings of new indy Britflick 'Out on a Limb' - a debut feature penned by one of Empire magazine's writers - were also well received, with the title now set for an official UK opening in October by Guerilla Films. Production house Theta Films remarked, “We were extremely impressed by the Everyman. The venue is second to none in terms of comfort, atmosphere and the true passion of the staff. We really couldn't have asked for a better showcase."

Comments Everyman Media's Managing Director Daniel Broch, “By launching this initiative, we’re able to support the independent film industry in a proactive way whilst bringing exclusive previews to our ever-discerning customers."

Everyman Expose screening of 'Weapons of Mass Deception' followed by Danny Schechter Q&A session at 3pm on Sunday 16 October at the Everyman Cinema Club, Hampstead (diagonally opp Hampstead tube). To book tickets (£15 each) please visit www.everymancinema.com or call the Box Office on 0870 066 4777.