Sony Authorizes Select Screenings of The Interview

Sony has authorized select independent screenings of the controversial The Interview.

The comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco is about how the duo land an interview with North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un, for their famous talk show. Before leaving, they’re asked to go on a mission to assassinate the leader. The upcoming release of the film has become a threat of national security in the United States when it became known the infamous Sony hackers come from North Korea. The hackers were willing to expose private information about Sony employees, as well as threatening to cause harm to theaters screening the movie Christmas day.

In an attempt to curb the threats, Sony pulled the film. Since then, fans of the film, as well as the stars, spoke out about the news. The social media world went on a free speech frenzy, and just like a Christmas miracle, Sony listened. Today, the founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Texas, CEO Tim League, released the statement below:

We cannot imagine the pressures that have been affecting Sony, at all levels of the organization they have been under attack. Amidst this unwarranted chaos, they have regrouped and listened to the public, the government and the exhibition community and responded with resolve and determination. At 10:45 AM Sony bookers approved screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and other arthouse and independent theaters across the country.

 This is the best Christmas gift anyone could give us. We, both distributors and exhibitors, have collectively stood firm to our principles and for the right to freedom of expression. 

Two days ’till Christmas, and I am proud to be an American.

Yeah, America!