For Press Inquiries:

Jesse Derris (212) 691-2800 or Derris(at)kensunshineconsultants.com

Download Press Kit (11MB)

Buzz:

"...impossible to ignore... a methodical compilation that deserves a wider audience"
Jeanette Catsoulis, New York Times

"...one of the most important political docs of the last several years"
Ernest Hardy, LA Weekly

"...a provocative look at black disenfranchisement in the 2004 elections"
David Halbinger of the New York Times

"...a muckracking indictment of ... the systematic disenfranchisement of African American voters..."
Kenneth Turan, LA Times

"...powerful...engrossing..."
Sura Wood, Hollywood Reporter

Articles:

November 3, 2006
Cincinnati Enquirer: Group will Video the Vote
"The "video the vote" project is led by documentary filmmakers Ian Inaba and John Ennis and will feature live Election Day internet reports of incidents at www.videothevote.org."
full article

October 30, 2006
Associated Press/The Cincinnati Post: Politics...Suddenly Hip Ohio campaign plays to sellout crowds
"Ian Inaba, a 35-year-old San Francisco filmmaker who has watched citizen interest in politics surge since 2000, said people in the bellwether heartland of a politically divided nation are seeking alternative ways to engage in their democracy."
full article

September 22, 2006
The New York Times: Anger and Irregularities at the Voting Booth
"As we listen to voters complain about roadblocks and false felony records, and watch the endless lines of black voters standing patiently in the rain in Ohio, it's impossible to ignore the gravity of the film's claims."
full article

September 21, 2006
BlackAmericaWeb: ADemocrats Convening This Weekend to Strategize Black Voter Mobilization
"This film is about making sure working-class people, minorities, our young hip-hop generation and our old school players have a voice in improving lives of their families and determining a better future for themselves and the community as a whole." - Wyatt Closs, SEIU Director of Community Strength, who was interviewed for the article.
full article

September 20, 2006
Village Voice: Tracking Shots: American Blackout
"This passionate polemic follows Democratic representative Cynthia McKinney, of Georgia, as she campaigns to bring attention to the disenfranchisement of black voters in the 2000 and 2004 elections."
full article

September 14, 2006
Miami Herald: Film targets black voters
"From San Francisco, to Los Angeles, to Boston, American Blackout -- a documentary alleging disfranchisement of black voters in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections -- has triggered strong reactions from viewers nationwide."
full article (registration required)

September 7, 2006
LA Weekly: NOW PLAYING: American Blackout
"Kicking off with the detailed argument that black voters in Florida were systematically disenfranchised in the 2000 presidential election, the film then pulls double duty: It's a fine-tooth examination of both the continued, unconstitutional marginalization of black voters in America and the attempts by various political and media machines to crush McKinney in retaliation for her outspokenness on that subject and on the illegality of the war in Iraq."
full article

September 7, 2006
LA City Beat: NOW PLAYING: American Blackout
"Ian Inaba's documentary looks at two intertwined subjects—the disenfranchisement of black voters, and the demonizing of Georgia congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, who has persistently raised the issue, which is denied by Republicans and mostly ignored by Democrats."
full article

August 6, 2006
New York Times: Facing Voters, Georgia Congressman Gets an Assist From Documentary
"After winning prized on the festival circuit, including a special jury award at this year's Sundance Film Festival, the movie, directed by Ian Inaba, was headed for commercial release on cable television until Ms. McKinney's scuffle with a Capitol police officer last March."
full article (subscription required)

July 7, 2006
Politicalaffairs.net: Documentary Film - American Blackout: Voting Rights in Danger
""A timely new film documentary, "American Blackout," examines the role of race in the legal decisions that resulted in George W. Bush winning the presidential election and explores how African American voters have been disenfranchised in the nation's electoral process.""
full article

January 27, 2006
Hollywood Reporter: American Blackout
"Engrossing, fast-paced, stylish… a powerful examination of voting rights in America."
full article