Michael Francis Moore is an American filmmaker, author, journalist and Liberal political activist. He is the director and producer of Fahrenheit 9/11, which is the highest-grossing documentary of all time and winner of the Palme d'Or. His films Bowling for Columbine and Sicko also placed in the top ten highest-grossing documentaries, and the former won the Academy Award for Documentary Feature. In September 2008, he released his first free movie on the Internet, Slacker Uprising, which documented his personal quest to encourage more Americans to vote in presidential elections. He has also written and starred in the TV shows TV Nation and The Awful Truth. Moore's written and cinematic works criticize topics such as globalization, large corporations, assault weapon ownership, U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, the Iraq War, the American health care system, and capitalism.
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» All TV Host InterviewsHey Everybody! I'm back for another AMA to discuss my new film 'Where To Invade Next', the situation in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, and all the crazy stuff that's been going on with the Presidential Election.
Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4JJvfrkH3M -- and here's the Fandango link: http://www.fandango.com/wheretoinvadenext_188065/movietimes -- ASK AWAY!
PROOF: Tweet: https://twitter.com/MMFlint/status/700784130519216132
UPDATE: I'm going to stay on for another HOUR TONIGHT! Stay on this thread and join me from 5PM - 6PM EST! Ask Me Anything!
If someone sees this comment but doesn't understand: The title says "You're Next President", but it should say "Your Next President".
Hahaha. Whoever set the Reddit up typed that. I will accept full responsibility. I have been assured this person will either be sent to Siberia or be made a Republican candidate for president.
Have you followed up with the firefighters you said told you about the explosions going off in the World Trade Center buildings on 9/11? Do you think their claims hold up over time?
I think they should be heard.
If you could sit down with the president of the United States and hammer out the 5 biggest issues facing our country, what would they be?
Any plans to shoot a new documentary covering the current crisis in Flint? Sort of a sequel to "Roger and Me", maybe call it "Karen and Me" or "Rick and Me"?
This is definitely one area where I think you have enough expertise and fame to really help focus some much needed attention on a terrible situation.
I'm thinking about it, but I'm more concerned with getting those lead pipes outta there right now and see ing that the governor is arrest.
Hey Michael, I heard you talk on All In with Chris Hayes about how you had went to Vermont to endorse Bernie back in the 90's. Can you tell us more about this, why you went and how you found out about Bernie?
Everybody like me back then knew who Bernie was. It was 1990. I supported what he stood for. Still do.
Mr. Moore, I hope you're doing well and recovering smoothly. Are your films on Netflix? If so, which one's should i watch first?
Thank you. for some reason, my films don't stream on Netflix. I'll get that fixed.
Why is Flint consistently rated one of the worst US cities to live?
Too sad to figure out a response to that.
How can I encourage anyone in politics to take me seriously despite the fact that I am young, small, white, and female?
I take you seriously -- and let me say that the America we now live in is yours. 81% of the US is either female, people of color, or young adults between the ages of 18 and 35. This is not Trump's America anymore. You are the present and the future. The angry old white men are the past. Good riddance.
I recently watched your Oscar speech for Bowling for Columbine. Personally I found it inspiring but I know others weren't pleased. Do you ever regret the speech or do you stand by it?
I regretted it for a long time, mostly because of all the attempts on my life it engendered. Now, it's one of the things I most proud of.
What's it really like to ask the hard questions?
Also, how did you get to where you are now (career wise)? I guess what you do is a career and not a job...
I'm a high school graduate who was aways curious and pissed and sometimes funny.
Hi Michael
What's a topic that you haven't had the chance to document yet but would like to in the future?
Israel/Palestine
Who would win in a fight, you or Trump?
I'm a pacifist. So I guess I would win.
Hi Michael, I saw your movie yesterday. One question. The gentleman that was in prison for murder and working in the kitchen with knives. Did you ever ask how he felt about his actions? How he felt now?
He felt and feels absolutely horrible and he will try to do good for the world for the rest of his life.
What type of voter registration campaign will you run in 2016?
You'll see.
What do you make of Donald Trump's latest insinuations that we don't know who actually committed the attacks on 9/11??
Donald Trump: "Who blew up the World Trade Center?" 2/17/16
Donald Trump on 9/11: "You Will Find Out Who Really Knocked Down The World Trade Center"
I think he said it was the Saudis. If 15 of the 19 hijackers had been from North Korea, I think most would say North Korea attacked the World Trade Center. Yes?
Mr. Moore, what is the one thing you personally feel most upsetting about America?
Our name. It's so boring. I once suggested we call ourselves The Big One.
Have you ever thought about doing a sequel to one of your films? I think a sequel to Bowling for Columbine is necessary at this point in our time as mass shootings have become a regular part of our American lives.
I don't like sequels. Exceptions: Godfather II, Star Trek II, Gremlins II
Hi Michael, who was your role model when you were growing up? Thank you!
Rod Serling. Jack Paar. Mr. Green Jeans.
"Where to Invade Next" was truly transformative - I've been in a contemplative fog ever since seeing it last weekend.
It's made me want to revisit how I "met" you and your work - through TV Nation. Any plans on releasing the series on DVD or streaming?
Please, Netflix, Amazon, iTunes -- call me. Be the first to make TV NATION available.
President Moore,
The last film you released, Capitalism: A love story, was over 6 years ago. Is there any reason you took a long gap between that and your most recent film?
Not really
Doesn't it seem hypocritical for you to be such a critic of unfettered capitalism, yet you ran the World Trade Organization for from 1999-2002?
HAHAHAHAHA! That poor prime minister of NZ, stuck with my name for the rest of his life!
Flint Mayor Weaver is looking for fundraisers from celebrities to raise the money that Snyder and the legislature won't provide. Have you any plans to sponsor fundraisers for Flint?
Yes. A big one. "The Concert for Flint." An international telethon and event live from Flint. To be announced in the next couple of weeks. All of you will be able to participate.
I'm a young filmmaker myself working in both documentary and narrative. The future of film distribution is in the biggest limbo it has been in quite a long time. What advice do you have for entry level filmmakers who are interested in making a positive impact on the community at large through the art of film? Besides social media presence. Specifics would be awesome.
Also, what's one piece of advice you give to anyone conducting interviews on camera?
PS - I loved your Bernie endorsement!
I am VERY concerned about this limbo and I have a couple ideas on how to fix it. I will begin doing that in 2016 and you will hear about it.
My one piece of advice is talk to them about what they want to talk about (not your agenda) and they will say the most amazing and unexpected things. And make sure your sound is excellent.
Who is your favorite band?
The Clash, Springsteen, Rage Against the Machine
Michael,
As a fellow progressive who leads a busy life and lives in a different state -- what can I do to help bring awareness and change for the people of Flint? It absolutely angers me that the pipes aren't current being dug up and replaced as we speak.
It is time to revolt. The NAACP is cal ig for massive civil disobedience if the governor has not started to replace the pipes in 30 days.
Hey Michael Im very excited to see Where to Invade Next but I have a bit of a problem. I currently live deep in the heart of Republican Land (Lubbock, Texas) and your documentary isnt showing within a 280 mile radius. When is your film hitting Netflix or other electronic outlets?
I'm trying to get it in as many theaters as possible. This is not easy.
With a political system that appears rigged and a media that shys away from reporting, what gives you hope in America?
This. The Internet. Our way around the middle man. This gives me hope.
Will you speak at a Bernie Sanders rally and introduce him to the crowd? That would be awesome!
YES!
In your opinion, what's the greatest threat to Bernie Sanders' campaign?
People believing he can't win, or that his policies aren't "practical." My movie shows that every one one of his "ideas" are ALREADY in action all over the world.
Hi Michael!
What do you think the possibilities are of Trump getting presidency?
Nearly zero, But he will be the Republican candidate.
In Where to Invade next, how did you decide to do the thing where you focus on each woman's face for a fairly long period of time? It was very powerful.
It was the last day of shooting when I came up with the idea. I realized it wasn't my typical style, so that made me want to do it.
Let's get to the most important question:
What's your favorite color?
Yellow
any updates on situation in Flint?
As of today, not a SINGLE pipe has been replaced.
Michael, I saw and loved WTIN -- but I was one of only about 20 people in the auditorium (Livonia). This was opening night. What kind of reach have you been getting nationally?
Many theaters were sold out. It all depends on the job the local theater does, and if the distributor is advertising locally. Out of my hands, and I hate it.
Thoughts on the whole Apple/encryption debate?
The government is using the tragedy in San Bernadino to find a way to get into our phones. We, the innocent. That's where this is heading. The police know everything they need to know about the two insane people who carried out that mass murder.
Michael, how come when Trey Parker and Matt Stone told you not to associate their cartoon with Bowling for Columbine, you decided to just use animation that bore such a striking resemblance to their show? Did you not think they would notice or care? Or did you just think fuck it? I don't understand your logic behind this. Couldn't you just accept their wishes and be a nice person about it?
My friend and I made that cartoon, not Matt and Trey. They didn't invent cartoons. This is one of those crazy internet "facts" that somehow I stole their cartoon and put it in my film. The cartoon was completely written and drawn by my friend and I. Ask Matt and Trey what jokes they stole from Canadian Bacon and put in their South Park movie. Over dinner at the Windows on the World in 2001, they whipped out a five dollar bill and paid me for their theft! I got a big laugh off that! Also, that's not me at age 20 debating Milton Friedman.
Hey Michael, I make political satire and you are, y'know, as a God to me.
I'm with a group of LA comics with Michigan roots who want to make video encouraging Snyder's arrest and documenting Flint's disaster. Do you know of any Flint-based video makers who might want to coordinate (getting local footage, ideas, etc)?
Thanks for all you do, can't wait to see your film (Los Feliz tomorrow night, baby)!
Get ahold of me on Twitter DM
Do you have chest hair? If so, how much? Don't leave out any details.
I'm Irish.