"Bad Press" Documentary Chronicles the Struggle for Free Press in the Muscogee Nation
In the tumultuous fall of 2019, journalists at Mvskoke Media, the news outlet covering the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma, found themselves entangled in a high-stakes battle for the right to report on a dramatic election season. As they documented the unfolding events, including a contentious primary election and allegations of voter fraud, reporters Angel Ellis and Jerrad Moore faced a challenging fight to safeguard their journalistic integrity.
The exclusive clip from the upcoming documentary, "Bad Press," featured in HuffPost, provides a glimpse into the intense moments when Lucian Tiger III, a primary election contender for the office of principal chief, fell just 10 votes short and initiated a recount, alleging voter fraud. Ellis and Moore scrambled to report on the unfolding details, showcasing the dedication and resilience required in the face of adversity.
The contested election represents just one chapter in the years-long struggle within the Muscogee Nation to restore and codify free press protections. The climax of this narrative occurred in the fall of 2021 when tribal citizens overwhelmingly voted to approve a groundbreaking free press constitutional amendment. Notably, among the 574 federally recognized Native tribes, only five have free press laws, with the Muscogee Nation being the sole entity to enshrine the right to a free and independent press in its tribal constitution.
Directed by Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, "Bad Press" delves into the intricate layers of this battle, starting in November 2018 when the Muscogee Nation's National Council abruptly repealed the tribe's free press law, turning Mvskoke Media into a de facto government publication. The film captures the aftermath, where tribal leaders gained control over weekly publications without free press protections, leading to the resignation of most staff members in protest.
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival and earning the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression, "Bad Press" vividly portrays the challenges, triumphs, and the enduring resilience of those fighting for a free press within the Muscogee Nation. The documentary's New York theatrical premiere this Friday promises to shed light on a crucial and inspiring chapter in the ongoing struggle for journalistic freedom.
Unveiling the Struggle: "Bad Press" Sheds Light on the Complex Realities of Native Journalists
The documentary "Bad Press" not only unveils the gripping narrative of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's battle for free press protections but also delves into the broader tension long plaguing Native journalists at tribal news outlets. As the film elucidates, Native tribes, particularly those lacking free press laws, often witness tribal leaders exerting control over and funding tribal media outlets. This dynamic frequently results in censorship of Indigenous journalists, limited independent tribal media, and some publications becoming extensions of the tribe's public relations apparatus.
The historical context for this lies in the efforts of tribal leaders to counter offensive and stereotypical portrayals of Native people. However, as journalists like Angel Ellis exemplify, there is a growing demand for free and independent reporting on Native communities. Ellis, featured in the documentary, emphasizes the importance of truth in journalism, even if it means addressing challenging topics that may not cast the tribe in the best light. She highlights the delicate nature of the system, acknowledging that, even with the free press law in place, it remains fragile.
The surprising move by the Muscogee Nation's National Council to repeal the free press law came in the aftermath of Ellis and her colleagues breaking major stories exposing government corruption and misconduct. The documentary captures the revealing moment when a council representative openly admits to supporting the repeal to shift the narrative to more positive aspects of the nation, avoiding negative issues.
Ellis's candidness adds a refreshing perspective to the challenges faced by journalists, a profession often depicted mundanely due to the routine nature of tasks like phone calls and emails. "Bad Press" avoids this pitfall by incorporating humor, recognizing that journalists, despite dealing with stressful situations, inject humor into their daily experiences. Director Rebecca Landsberry-Baker notes that humor becomes a central element in navigating the demanding world of journalism.
As "Bad Press" illuminates the intricacies of Native journalism, it not only serves as a compelling documentation of the Muscogee Nation's fight for press freedom but also contributes to a broader conversation about the need for independent and truthful reporting in Native communities.
"Bad Press": A Visual Chronicle of Indigenous Resilience and the Fight for Free Press
Humor, a vital component of Indigenous cultures, takes center stage in the documentary "Bad Press," providing not only a survival mechanism but also a unique lens into the resilience of Indigenous communities. Director Rebecca Landsberry-Baker, who spent many years at Mvskoke Media, where the film's narrative unfolds, emphasizes the significance of sharing this special aspect of her community with the world. The documentary captures the intriguing dynamic of humor as a coping mechanism, a testament to the strength of Indigenous people.
Landsberry-Baker, now the executive director of the Indigenous Journalists Association, embarked on creating "Bad Press" to shed light on the crucial work of Native journalists and the formidable challenges they face in the absence of free press protections. Drawing from her extensive experience in print journalism, she recognized the limitations of the medium in encapsulating the complexities of the four-year journey chronicled in the film. The visual storytelling format, she contends, offers a powerful means to showcase the diversity, nuances, and modernity of Native communities, dispelling stereotypes that often persist.
The documentary not only serves as a spotlight on the obstacles faced by Native journalists but also aims to provide a visual blueprint for citizens of Native tribes to mobilize efforts toward enacting free press laws. Landsberry-Baker believes that the visual format, especially through the lens of characters like Angel Ellis, captures the essence of the journey in a way that transcends traditional print storytelling. Ellis, a central figure in the film, leads the fight for free press protections, offering a unique perspective that resonates visually with the audience.
The production team drew inspiration from the landscapes of Oklahoma, infusing visual metaphors throughout the film. As Joe Peeler, part of the film's production team notes, the hours spent driving around the state to follow reporters and candidates became an integral part of the visual narrative. The film not only tells a story but visually immerses the audience in the journey, offering a nuanced and powerful portrayal of the Indigenous experience.
"Bad Press" emerges not only as a documentary but as a visual testament to the strength, diversity, and resilience of Native communities. Through its unique storytelling format, it invites audiences to connect with the characters and the challenges they face, fostering a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for free press protections within Indigenous cultures.
"Bad Press": Unpredictable Turns and High Stakes Shape a Gripping Narrative
The documentary "Bad Press" weaves a compelling narrative that combines a dramatic premise, high stakes, and a constant sense of motion and suspense. Set against the backdrop of the contentious election season in 2019, the film portrays the support for free press protections as a pivotal campaign issue and a litmus test for candidates. The intensity escalates as the council contemplates putting a free press constitutional amendment on the ballot, but initial attempts to advance the proposal fail, offering a version of the film with a tentative conclusion.
Directors Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler initially aimed to complete the documentary in 2021, with a less definitive ending. However, real-life events took an unexpected turn in the summer of 2021 when the council voted to place the constitutional amendment on the ballot for the upcoming fall election. This unforeseen development reshaped the narrative, challenging the earlier skepticism about the amendment's chances of reaching a vote.
As tribal officials continued to censor Mvskoke Media staff, including restricting access to ballot counting, a pivotal moment unfolded. In September 2021, Angel Ellis reached out, revealing that "shit's hitting the fan." This unexpected turn of events prompted a rapid response, with Peeler recalling, "I jumped on a plane faster than I ever jumped on a plane in my entire life." The entire third act of the documentary unfolded in a span of five days, capturing the unfolding crisis and surprising developments that would alter the course of the film.
This unexpected twist in the narrative adds layers of complexity and urgency to "Bad Press," turning it into a dynamic and suspenseful exploration of the fight for free press within the Muscogee Nation. The filmmakers' ability to adapt to real-life events and capture the unfolding drama in real-time contributes to the documentary's powerful storytelling, offering viewers an authentic and riveting portrayal of a community grappling with the challenges of asserting its right to a free and independent press.
"Bad Press": Unraveling the Sea Change in the Fight for Free Press
The documentary "Bad Press" delves into the remarkable shift over two years—from a failed attempt to advance a constitutional amendment to citizens overwhelmingly approving it. Director Rebecca Landsberry-Baker attributes this sea change to a confluence of critical developments that underscored the indispensable need for a free and independent news outlet within the Muscogee Nation.
Several factors contributed to this shift, including the COVID-19 pandemic's disproportionate impact on Native communities. The implementation of the CARES Act economic stimulus, the distribution of the COVID vaccine, and the 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, reaffirming the Muscogee Nation's reservation, collectively heightened the realization among Muscogee citizens about the crucial role of a free press as an accountability mechanism.
In the wake of political unrest and the challenges posed by the pandemic, citizens recognized the void left by the absence of a free press and advocated for access to news and information. "Now more than ever, we need access to this news and information," emphasizes Landsberry-Baker. This pivotal moment aligned with a broader trend observed among tribes, where the fight for free press protections often gains momentum during tumultuous political states.
The impact of "Bad Press" resonates profoundly in a time when press freedom and local journalism face crises. Over 200 counties in the U.S. lack local news outlets, and newspapers have shuttered at a rate exceeding two per week over the past two years. Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism's State of Local News Project underscores the risk of many communities becoming "news deserts," particularly those with significant Black, Hispanic, or Native American populations.
In the Muscogee Nation, the 2019 experience underscored the critical importance of being informed voters in elections where a few votes can make a significant difference. As citizens realized the pivotal role of a free press, "Bad Press" captures this transformative journey, offering a compelling narrative that reflects the broader challenges faced by local journalism and the pressing need for press freedom. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder that informed communities are essential for the health of democracy, especially in times of crisis.
"Bad Press" Sparks Movement: A Trailblazing Documentary Inspires Action for Press Protections
In a trailblazing journey across festivals and Native communities nationwide, directors Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler have been screening their impactful documentary, "Bad Press," throughout the year. The film's resonance is evident as it catalyzes a movement within Indian Country, inspiring other tribes to consider and advocate for free press protections.
Landsberry-Baker notes a noticeable shift, stating, "Since our film has come out and tribal citizens have seen it, there's definitely been a movement in Indian Country for other tribes to add these free press protections." Notably, both the Osage and Cherokee nations have witnessed momentum towards adding free press amendments to their constitutions.
Complementing the film's release, the filmmakers initiated a survey inviting Native people to share insights into press coverage within their tribal nations and communities. The survey aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the Native media landscape across the country, serving as a valuable resource for those advocating for press protections. Landsberry-Baker emphasizes the significance of citizen-led efforts, dedicated journalists, and supportive elected representatives in championing press freedom on a legislative level.
The Muscogee Nation's fight for a free press stands as a beacon of inspiration for other tribes and citizens, sparking enthusiasm and commitment to the cause. Landsberry-Baker expresses excitement at seeing tribes and citizens inspired by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's story, envisioning a trail that others in Indian Country can now follow.
"Bad Press" premieres at the DCTV Firehouse Cinema in New York, with screenings scheduled around the country. As advocates for freely accessible, high-quality journalism, HuffPost believes in providing carefully fact-checked news to everyone. The documentary's impact aligns with HuffPost's commitment to journalism that informs and empowers, resonating with communities across the nation. Contributions, even as little as $1, can help sustain this commitment to keeping news accessible for everyone, supporting the broader mission of fostering an informed and engaged society.
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