THE FILM
When the Muscogee Nation suddenly begins censoring its free press, defiant Muscogee journalist Angel Ellis takes a stand to expose government corruption in a historic fight that will have ramifications for all of Indian Country.
WATCH THE TRAILER
Imagine a world where your only trusted news source is transformed into government propaganda overnight. This became a reality for the citizens of the Muscogee Nation, the fourth-largest Native American tribe.
There are currently 569 federally recognized Native American tribes without press freedom protections.
WHY THIS FILM IS NEEDED
Lisa Allen, Impact Director
“…THE PERFECT ILLUSTRATION OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DISMANTLE THE FOURTH ESTATE AND WIND UP PUTTING DEMOCRACY IN PERIL.”
51 FILM FESTIVAL APPEARANCES
16 MAJOR FESTIVAL AWARDS
THE TEAM
REBECCA LANDSBERRY-BAKER (CO-DIRECTOR)
is an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee Nation and the executive director of the Indigenous Journalists Association.
JOE PEELER (CO-DIRECTOR)
is a Sundance award-winning director and editor whose work has appeared on NETFLIX, HBO, FX, ESPN and CBS.
ANGEL ELLIS (PROTAGONIST)
is an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee Nation, the star of BAD PRESS, and the director of Mvskoke Media.
Angel Ellis at a screening in Warsaw, Poland
Sold out 1200-seat screening in Columbia, Missouri
Q&A at the Sundance Film Festival
IN-PERSON SCREENINGS
Workshops that include: film editing, trust-building in diverse communities, the role of journalism in documentary filmmaking, and budgeting for documentaries.
CLASSROOM VISITS
Live panel discussions with Co-Directors Rebecca Landsberry-Baker & Joe Peeler, and Film Protagonist and Mvskoke Media Director Angel Ellis.
NEWSROOM TRAININGS
Training reporters worldwide on best practices for mainstream newsrooms that aspire to report on Indigenous issues with nuance and authenticity
VIRTUAL / HYBRID EVENTS
Bringing together geographically dispersed teams and communities for a virtual or hybrid discussion about press freedoms and Indigenous sovereignty.
VIRTUAL ENCORE
A custom-branded webpage offering asynchronous access to the film for students, faculty, staff, and community for a two-week period. (badpress.film/YOURNAME)
Lisa Allen, Impact Director
“BAD PRESS TELLS A TALE WE’D LOVE NEVER TO SEE PLAYED OUT AGAIN —YET WATCHING IT IS UNDENIABLY ENTERTAINING.”
100% ON ROTTEN TOMATOES
34-CITY INTERNATIONAL THEATRICAL RUN
Columbia School of Journalism
Screening and Q&A at The Daily Beast Newsroom
Standing ovation at The Atlantic Live Festival
“…AN ABSORBING, EYE-OPENING LOOK AT THE FIGHT FOR A FREE AND OPEN PRESS IN THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION…”
WIDE REACH
Screening and Q&A at The New York Times newsroom
Engaged audiences in Warsaw, Poland
BAD PRESS is slated for a PBS broadcast. We’re seeking partners to support the new PBS edit and our broader impact campaign. Partners will be recognized on public television, which means:
Post-screening Q&A at The Atlantic Live Festival
Angel Ellis interviewed on Polish radio
Unlike traditional ads, 72% of PBS viewers report a more favorable opinion of companies that support public media.
TRUST IN BRAND
POLICY IMPACT
SUSTAINED VISIBILITY
PBS attracts 130 million viewers annually — more than the Super Bowl
Viewers who watch Native-led programs are more likely to support policies that benefit Indigenous people.
PBS viewers are affluent and engaged, with 28% earning household incomes of $100K+ and 68% more likely to support sponsors of public media.
AFFLUENT AUDIENCE
Your message stays attached to the film throughout its 3-year broadcast period and any PBS contract extensions.
Lisa Allen, Impact Director
