In the wake of the Muskogee Nation's sudden censorship of its free press, journalist Angel Ellis stands against governmental oppression. With the repeal of the Free Press Act, Angel leads a courageous charge against corruption within the Muskogee National Council. Alongside her allies, she advocates for press freedoms, rallying support for a constitutional amendment amidst impending elections. Bad Press unfolds as a gripping political thriller, capturing Angel's unwavering determination to expose the truth amid state censorship.
Directed by Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, the documentary delves into the urgency and suspense of the battle for journalistic freedom. Recognized at prestigious film festivals like Sundance and Riverrun, Bad Press illuminates the dangers of governmental control over media and underscores the crucial role of an independent press in upholding democracy. Through its compelling narrative and captivating characters, the film sheds light on the struggle for transparency and sovereignty within the Muskogee Nation, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Considering that Bad Press is a directorial debut, it is absolutely stunning. There are only some occasional issues in editing, such as including several minutes of footage of one of the candidates for Chief struggling to find a place to stake down one of his campaign signs. Beyond this, Bad Press is an outstanding exposé, pacing itself through the flow of events rather than through heavy editing or music. Not only does this documentary follow the journey of Mvskoke Media during their hardest times, but it also acts as a case study into American-style electoral democracy.
Bad Press clearly shows some of the system’s most notable flaws, highlighting some of the ways our electoral system can fail We The People on a much smaller, more palpable scale. Just like national campaigns, outside money can make or break any of these candidates, and even when grassroots candidates take office, they often control only one branch, leading to legislative stagnation and broken promises when partisan bickering rears its ugly head. Bad Press is a fantastic documentary for anyone looking to expand non-fiction film collections with a modern Native American lens. Highly recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
Bad Press belongs on journalism, political, and Native American documentary shelves.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
Anyone teaching about the electoral process or journalism will find Bad Press indispensable in the classroom.