Sony Pictures has just done something completely unprecedented in cinema-pulled a comedy film called "The Interview" from release after theaters were issued threats by a hacker, the films depiction of North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un's assassination caused controversy in Asia. Sony's response was to let theaters decide whether or not to show the film, which was entirely fair and reasonable.
However hours later after major chains declined to show the film, Sony made a bad move and completely took choice away by cancelling the film's release altogether, and now it says it doesn't even have plans for a VOD or DVD/Blu-Ray release.
This makes no sense given that the Department of Homeland Security said there was no credible threat and some theaters were determined to show the film and hiring security just in case.
This is about more then just a silly comedy not being released, it sets a very dangerous precedent for the future. What if no form of media is ever allowed to depict a foreign country ever again simply because of idle threats? Past films such as "The Great Dictator" have depicted controversial figures of foreign countries with no problems arising from showings, so I fail to see why Sony would get cold feet over this.
Sony needs to correct this error ASAP before we head even further down the already slippery slope of giving in to empty threats that cannot even be proven to have originated from North Korea(it's easy for hackers to plant false flags in other countries to disguise a hack's origin, and there are rumors that it's a disgruntled ex-Sony employee who is actually responsible for the hack).
Please sign this petition and tell Sony that they must release this film and not give in to fear. It doesn't even have to get a theatrical release, a VOD and DVD/Blu-Ray release will do just fine and it allow people to see the film without fear. Sony must stand up for their art.
Sincerely
Michael Prymula
