The Visiting Filmmakers Series presents a recording of the conversation with filmmakers Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler and subject Angel Ellis about their film, “Bad Press,” on November 15, 2023.

Imagine you lived in a world where your only reliable news source became government propaganda overnight. That’s what happened to the citizens of the Muscogee Nation, the fourth largest Native American tribe, in 2018. Out of 574 federally recognized tribes, the Muscogee Nation was one of only five who established a free and independent press – until the tribe’s legislative branch abruptly repealed the landmark Free Press Act in advance of an election. The tribe’s hard-hitting news outlet, Mvskoke Media, was suddenly subject to direct editorial oversight by the tribal government.
In the documentary, “Bad Press,” journalist Angel Ellis fights back. Challenging the corrupt faction of the Muscogee National Council, Angel and her allies work to propose a voter-supported constitutional amendment, just in time for the start of a new election cycle.
Unfurling with the energy and suspense of a political thriller, “Bad Press” is a timely story about the battle for freedom of the press and against state-censored media.

This recording features the in-person discussion that followed a screening of “Bad Press,” moderated by Film at Mason’s Rebekah Wingert-Jabi in the Johnson Center Cinema on George Mason University’s Fairfax, VA campus. For information about the in-person event, visit: https://vfs.gmu.edu/events/14821

Every semester, the Visiting Filmmakers Series brings to campus a diversity of films and artists. The Series is committed to building community and advancing social justice by supporting innovative, antiracist, and inclusive filmmaking.

This event is presented by Visiting Filmmakers Series; College of Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Visual and Performing Arts; Film at Mason; CVPA's Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; African and African American Studies, English Department; Global Affairs; History and Art History; University Life; and Women and Gender Studies.

Learn more about Visiting Filmmakers Series on the website: https://vfs.gmu.edu/