WASHINGTON -- Sony Pictures may have shelved its release of "The Interview" in the wake of a major cyberattack, but at least one congressman wants the production company to screen the film at the U.S. Capitol.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) on Monday sent a letter to Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton offering to play the movie at the Capitol in a show of solidarity with the American film industry against "threats from a dictator in North Korea."
Sherman's letter:
Dear Mr. Lynton
I am extending an offer to screen The Interview in the U.S. Capitol facilities.
As Chairman of the Entertainment Industries Caucus, I believe we should stand in solidarity with Sony Pictures and the American film industry. Threats from a dictator in North Korea should not stop Americans from seeing any movie. We have a responsibility to stand up against these attempts at intimidation.
This is also about educating Members of Congress. Everyone is talking about The Interview. I think it’s important for Congress to know, and see, what we are talking about.
Screening The Interview will demonstrate the U.S. Congress’s support of the freedom of speech. This is about our right to live without fear, and knowing that our values will not be compromised by the idle threats of a despotic regime. Good or bad, Americans should not be deprived of the opportunity to see this movie.
It is now the responsibility of the U.S. government to allocate the necessary resources to ensure moviegoers’ safety. We must help Sony Pictures, movie theater owners, and moviegoers regain the confidence to go see The Interview.
If you have any questions please contact Lauren Wolman.
Sincerely,
Brad Sherman
Member of Congress
The film, a comedy starring James Franco and Seth Rogan, had been scheduled for release this week, until hackers earlier this month leaked Sony documents and unreleased films on the Internet. The hackers, identified by U.S. officials as linked to the North Korean government, threatened to attack theaters that aired the film because of its fictional depiction of Kim Jong Un's assassination. Sony ultimately pulled the movie, a move that some, including President Barack Obama, said was the wrong response.
A Sony Pictures spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
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