It is six in the morning and the emails are still pouring in. From every town and every state the story is the same. Massive lines, sold out shows, standing ovations. We have done our best to compile these reports from across the country, broken down by state, to share these reactions. There will be photographs from many of these same towns posted tomorrow. Despite the length of this list, it is but a small sampling of the responses you have been sending in and we cannot thank you enough for your kind words. If you are looking for something to do right now, you can always register to vote.
Star-studded, red carpet premieres are fun and all, but these emails and the events they describe--events that took place all across America yesterday--are what this is all about. People are coming together and discussing the situation we face as a country. Read through these, copy them and put them on your blogs, send them to your friends in emails. This reaction is beyond anything we could ever have expected and we thank everyone who went to see the film yesterday and everyone who will see the film in the days and weeks ahead.
ALABAMA:
Montgomery:
"We were thrilled when Rave Motion Pictures in Montgomery advertised that they would be showing it 6 times a day. My friends and I rushed to the theater to find crowds, camera crews and some disgruntled onlookers. The theater was packed, and the filmed received an uninterrupted 5-minute standing ovation at its conclusion. What a phenomenal piece of work--Michael Moore is a genius who might finally save this country from itself."--E.G.
Birmingham:
"Turnout was phenomenal. They were showing the film every hour on the hour in two different theaters, and were still selling out. Right before the movie the ushers came in and explained to everyone that the show would likely sell out and requested that everyone give up any unsaved seats. The place went absolutely nuts when they announced the show was going to sell out. After the announcement, everyone sort of got up in unison and consoldiated themselves into the center seats, leaving the edge seats open for latecomers. It was the sort of courtesy I'm not accustomed to seeing in theaters. The film closed to a standing ovation. While I'm certain it didn't last as long as the ovation at cannes, the fact remains that I've NEVER seen a movie received like that."--S.D.
Mobile:
"When I learned that Fahrenheit 9/11 would be screened in my small hometown of Mobile, AL I was surprised, but happy. I decided that I'd catch the 3:45 matinee, both because I'm broke and wanted to save some cash, but also because I thought I could beat whatever crowds there might be. My mom and I arrived at the theater about 15 minutes before the previews started, and I was flummoxed to find a nearly-full theater. Granted, it's a small theater, but it's a small town, too. There were probably around 150 people there--an amazing crowd considering that the film was being shown simultaneously on two screens in the same small multiplex. And this, of course, for a matinee on a Friday afternoon. I can't even imagine what the scene was like tonight. And once we were settled in, people kept coming, and coming, and coming. We gave up the seat between us. Then we moved further in. The people kept coming, and by the time the previews were over, only the
neckache seats were free. This being south Alabama, where even the liberals are conservative, there were a lot of laughs but no cheering or clapping during the movie -- that's about par for any movie seen here. But I heard something I have NEVER heard at a movie in Mobile before, including all the "Lord of the Rings" movies -- applause. Giant, cheerful applause as the credits began to roll for a film that I was just SURE I'd have the theater to myself for."--M.T.
ARIZONA:
Phoenix:
"I’m a middle 40s woman and because the theater was FULL (afternoon matinee), I got a seat third row from the front. What was impressive were the people around me. Almost all of the first ten rows, except for one or two people like myself were about 22 or so and under! I was so glad to see the young people of Phoenix (right-wing city, USA) there, interested and concerned. Those of us in the front gave you a standing ovation! Thank you for providing an avenue to inspire younger people involved in their country and to let them know that we are all not about war!"--S.M.
Tucson:
"I organized a house party for the movie for tonight and the response was way beyond what I expected. The showing I invited people to sold out LAST NIGHT. Luckily I bought my tickets on Fandango. When I went to pick up my tickets, there was a line of 200 people waiting outside because there wasn't enough room in the theater to fit everybody. I passed out flyers to the house party and got a turnout of about 50 people. I found out that the theater sold out every showing it had today. The showing immediately after ours was finished had a huge line as well. Everyone was talking about how Bush was going to be damaged beyond repair by this film."--D.B.
CALIFORNIA:
Burlingame:
"My friends and I all viewed the film (at a matinee price) at the Burlingame Cinema in Burlingame, California in the San Fran Bay Area. All shows for the next two days are sold out already!"
Hollywood:
"We just came back from the ARCLIGHT in Hollywood and the reception was fantastic! I even got my republican father a ticket to see the movie in Orange County. Needless to say after he saw the movie he now plans to vote against the Bush. He has voted Republican since Nixon."--R.S.
Long Beach:
"I am a Letter Carrier in Huntington Beach, Calif. I RAN my route today to get to a theater to see “Fahrenheit 911.” Made it to the 4:50 p.m. Show at the Edwards 26 here in my hometown of Long Beach, Calif. BUT there were hundreds of people lined up, and the announcement was blaring that the next two shows were sold out, and that the only one left available was the 10:30 p.m. Show. A massive GROAN went out. I RAN home, and managed to get a cyber ticket to the UA Marketplace here in Long Beach for the 10:00 pm. Show...the previous two shows were sold out."--R.E.
Lafayette:
Fahrenheit sold out in advance with people lining up an hour and a half in advance to get good seats. Nearby theaters were apparantly also all sold out. "The applause during the film and afterwards warranted the 95 minute wait to get in the door. Bravo. This is the most patriotic film I have ever seen." --A.G.
Oakland:
"'Just wanted to say that we went to the showing this afternoon at the Grand Lake Theater, and it was sold out. The line stretched for blocks and, thankfully, some of the media were there to see it. It give me shivers, and it gives me hope. We do not usually choose to stand in lines, but we did for this one, and it was well worth it. The line outside the theater, just as the movie, contained people of all ages, colors, and income groups. The line was probably, sadly, lacking in Republicans, but maybe that will change. We thought about having a campaign, "Buy a Republican a ticket." Perhaps the young people are a major key - one young man told us he was buying tickets for both his parents, a Democrat and a Republican."--K.M.
Orange County:
"It seemed like an endless line of people exited the theater. Finally the staff of the theater went in to clean up. I stood by the door waiting to get in. It was around 6:00 PM and the movie was not set to start until 7:15. By 6:30, there was a huge line to get into the theater. I was amazed. This was the most crowded movie at this Orange county movie theater; for a Friday night that says a lot. When it was time to enter the theater, I made my way to the seat which would remain mine for the next 2 or so hours. Luckily I was in front of the line, so I was able to pick a good seat. A guy and his wife/girlfriend (?) sat next to me and we spent the next 20 minutes talking. During this time, every seat in the house was being filled up. Just then, the manager of the theater comes in to say that he opened up another theater. By 7:00 both theaters were full; even people in the very front where people usually don’t sit. Once the move started I was glued to the screen; I didn’t miss a single scene. The audience laughed, cried, clapped as the movie continued. When the movie finished, there was applause for about 2-3 minutes before people started leaving the theater. I have been to so many movies in my life and have never been to any film that was this crowded with so many enthusiastic viewers. I have also never heard such a loud and heartfelt applause at any movie theater." --B.D.
La Jolla:
"All shows sold out; we went to the 7 pm showing and the line was around the theater, which was the reported case for all show times that day. It's so refreshing to see so many beacons of light in this republican corner of the country."--K.K.
San Francisco:
"I found myself in my car driving home, tears uncontrollably rolling down my face. I am 40 years old, own two companies and teach part-time at a high school. I have a post graduate degree and have been a fairly educated liberal all my life. Tonight I saw nothing many things I already knew, yet how you shared your thoughts and ideas will effect me for the rest of my life. I am deeply saddened by all of this, but yet thankful for all that you have done. So many American and Iraqi lives have been given, all in the name of greed."--M.P.G.
Camarillo:
"The line for the next show when we came out went around the theatre. It was amazing. People clapped and responded to the film in unison, they cried and uttered many exclamations as the film's argument kept building. It was like each time we had just begun to digest one point, the film took the issue to even a higher level, and people were visibly CRUSHED by the end of the film. Three theatres are showing the film in our area. Shows are filled to capacity at all three."--C.H.
Fresno:
"I'm in the middle of studying for the bar exam but there was no
way in hell I was missing opening day. I went to a 4pm show at one theater only to find a line wrapped about the the building and into the parking lot. Hauled ass all the way across town and made it to another showing - full house, standing ovation. Fresno, CA is LOVING
this film!"--P.C.
COLORADO:
Highlands Ranch:
"Just got back from the 7:35 pm opening show for the moving in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, which is considered by many to be the Orange County of Colorado - a place where no democrat has held public office for over 20 years.... The nearly 1,000 seat movie theater was packed. People were waiting in line at 6:30 pm. Several people were trying to register voters but County Sheriff's deputies escorted people off the property. There was a standing ovation at the end and lots of clapping throughout the showing. Security staff was guarding the entrances to the movie and checking tickets upon entry. Many young people came; one person was wearing anti-Bush buttons and told to remove them by security officers."--R.L.
Boulder:
"Pleased to report that the 4 p.m. show was full. We were in
the 3rd row back. The theatre is showing the film hourly, between two theatre rooms. Sold out all the way through until tomorrow. Never been in a movie where people were sniffling and outright sobbing all the way through."--P.Y.
FLORIDA:
Fort Meyers:
"You sold out FIVE performances. Ticket taker told us in his 2 years there no show had EVER sold out even ONE performance. Great film. Get together after film here - folks just standing in front of theater. I gave interview on local news (about 5 seconds worth). Said "This should be required viewing for all Americans"."--M.P.
Miami:
"We went to the 8:10 pm showing and the theatre had to set up queing lines as though we were at Disneyworld. When we emerged, the crowd waiting was of equal size, despite the fact the theatre opened up two 500-seat theatres."--A.L.
"Three generations went, my father (veteran), my 12 year old daughter, and me. It was a completely sold out theatre in Miami, FL at Aventura Mall. No parking, Long lines, that's why we ordered tickets in advanced. We were approached by a man, he was selling Bush bumper stickers. He didn't sell any...at all."--David
"The showing of the movie in Aventura Florida (June 25 5:45 PM) ended in a standing ovation. We did not want to leave our seats for a minute even though the air conditioning 'coincidentally' broke half way into the movie."--C.M.
"Hey! Fahrenheit 9/11 premiered in many local theatres near my house. I went to Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami, FL. Sadly it was only playing a few times. It was crazy! I soo wish I had brought my camara, the line went on forever. I went to the 5.20 showing which wasn't as bad. It was so awesome because it was in the huge theatre were all the big movies premiere. I think the theatre holds like 400 people. Anyway, when I left the line had begun for the 8.10 showing. That's what I really want to talk about. The line was 3 times as long as I have ever seen it, and I goto a lot of opening nights. They had actually started a second line next to the initial one because it was going out the door... It was just the most amazing spectacle!"--S.W.
Pinellas County:
"My wife and I were joined by our 19 year old son and his 80 year old grandmother. We went to the 2:30 pm show - huge crowd - packed theatre. Received well with a seven minute standing ovation at the end when Mike's named appeared on screen." --M.W.
"The 8:15 showing was sold out and they were standing in line for the next showing. My wife and I greatly enjoyed your film with a full audience. There was joy and laughter throughout the film which lead to a standing ovation at the end of the film. When we left the theater, we saw several members of various progressive groups handing out flyers. However, the off duty police officer (the Florida State Highway Patrol) told them that they were not allowed to hand out flyers in front of the theater and they had to go across the driveway to the plaza parking lot (which they did). When someone asked the officer for her name and badge number, she said her name was Florida State Highway Patrol and walked away. Then as a group of us were talking in the plaza parking lot, the other off duty police officers (Pinellas County Sheriff) came over and said that we needed to leave. They said that the management has asked them to instruct us to leave. What management? The theater appreciated our business and showed the movie so we would be there. Someone asked for their names and badge numbers and they said they would provide that information (which they never did). One of the group had a camera and pulled it out to take a picture of the police officers, but naturally, they had a call across the parking lot and batted away in their cars. I guess this is part of the patriot act that Congress didn't read."--D.C.
Tampa:
"Luckily I was on business in Tampa this week to catch the opening. I went to the first show. Let me tell you...the theater brought in extra police in case of trouble, I thought that was odd...but a good indicator of the power of the film. Everyone was laughing outloud and cheering, it was the most interactive film experience I have ever seen. A standing ovation at a movie theater...not at all what I was expecting !!"--B.G., USMC
"I was in a sold out theatre of mostly veterans and Senior citizens. The theatre was so full they had to of exceeded the fire code. The amount of people standing through out the whole movie was roughly around a third of the amount of people sitting. Including 70+ year old people. I have never seen so many people share tears with eachother since 9/11. I am a 23 year old male, who does not open up. I cried my eyes out during the whole film."--C.H.
Orange Park:
"I've been going to the theaters for years and tonight they actually had a police officer posted outside the doors checking tickets before letting people go in! I asked the management about it and they said it was because it was an R rated movie. Yet, when I checked the other theaters inside that were playing R rated movies there were no police posted outside the doors there to check tickets. So I asked the police officer if he was part of the vast right wing conspiracy trying to intimidate people so they would be reluctant to see the movie. He just smiled and said he was making an official report to the Bush team about how many were actually going to the movie. He had a good sense of humor, but he didn't have an answer to why he was in front of this movie and not the other R rated ones! Just thought you would like to know. This was at the AMC theaters in Orange Park, Florida! I went with my whole family and my sister's family. We loved it. You did a great job. The theater applauded at the close of the movie. I wish we still had reporters with enough balls to report the real news instead of the butt kissers we have now!"--S.H.
Melbourne:
"I woke up early to catch the first viewing here in Melbourne, FL at 11am. The packed theater cheered and clapped throughout the movie. So much of this I never knew or barely new anything about, thank you again. I personally was overwhelmed with emotions and moved by this that on my way out I stopped and bought three more tickets for the 4pm viewing and went home and called my parents and tried to talk them into going to see it with me at 4pm. My mother agreed to go (who yesterday the 24th told me she wasn't sure who she was voting for anymore) ... she came out of saying there was no way she would ever vote for Bush in November."--D.T.
Sunrise:
"I went to the 10:20 screening of the show at Regal Sawgrass 23 in Sunrise, FL. There were two theaters next to each other simultaneously airing the movie and both were packed. There were not enough seats in either theater, and many people crowded the aisles, standing for the entire two hours with their eyes glued to the screen. There was much laughter, tears, and applause throughout the screening. The credits were met with an enthusiastic standing ovation. When I passed out the flyers at the end, people were not, as I had anticipated, shrugging past me or reluctantly taking one out of obligation. To the contrary, they were crowding around me. There was not a single passerby who did not want one. Traffic exiting the theater was slowed significantly so that the audience could receive a copy. People were so eager, so motivated. It was beautiful to witness how driven everyone seemed. And in the end, there was not a single sheet thrown on the ground. Not inside the theater, and not in the parking lot. (I had decided on my own to risk passing out the flyers inside the theater.) With just under 100 flyers, I ran out much too quickly, and decided just to use my voice. Much to my surprise, people stopped and listened to me. I didn't get a single dirty look; Instead, people seemed so interested, ready to get deeply involved and make a change. They were asking excited questions about the town meeting, wanting to get involved. I gave them the names of the important websites."--R.E.
GEORGIA:
Atlanta:
Long lines and late night showings added to meet capacity and demand. "Opening night at the AMC Colonial 18 in Lawrenceville, GA (metro Atlanta), real police came into the building and stood in the hallway by the theater door as Fahrenheit 9/11 let out. There are 18 theaters in this cinema-plex but the other 17 (showing Garfield, Shrek 2, The Stepford Wives) had only red-coated ushers to guide people towards the exits. Those of us coming out of Fahrenheit 9/11, however, were met by the police. I wonder what they were expecting us to do?!"--D.S.
"The theatre (AMC Mansell Crossing 14) had 6 lines open; ususally there are only 2 on a friday night. the movie sold out 10 minutes before the 10pm showing."--S.L.
Marietta:
"There was tremendous positive response not only at the end but throughout the picture. There was even a prolonged standing ovation that continued to the end of the credits. Also I dont think there was a a dry eye in the house."--C.D.
ILLINOIS:
Chicago:
"Not knowing if there would be a line, I showed up about two hours before the box office opened. So after I returned from walking around the neighborhood for a while, I discovered that there was a line, a pretty respectable one at that. And the box office still wouldn't open for another half hour. The theater in the Century Mall is on the third level. The mall is composed of an interior atrium, with the stores around the circumference. There are stairs, ramps and escalators leading all the way up, as well as elevators. When I walked out after the movie, there was a line leading down the ramps, about half-way to the ground level. At the presentation I attended, there wasn't an empty seat to be found, so I'm sure that the next showing would have some people turned away. I also know that the evening performances had already been completely sold out."--D.L. USAF (ret.)
Wheeling:
"The last time I had to stand in line inside the theater lobby before a movie was when Star Wars opened in the mid-seventies. There was much concern expressed by those around me that we would not all find seats. A few people there were my age (52), but the great majority were in their teens and early twenties...something I had not expected. Before the film began, a young man got up and announced a "Get rid of Bush" rally tomorrow at a local park...I did not catch the name of the organization sponsoring it, but it was definitely a student group. I was apprehensive about being able to watch the film in a room full of "rowdy" students, but my fears were unfounded. The young lady beside me laughed and cried at the same places I did. An unexpected benefit of your work, Mr. Moore...you seem to have found a common ground for the generations. At the end of the movie, spontaneously, about 80 percent of us began to applaud. It seemed that everyone in the room was feeling exactly the same way. The last time I experienced that was in 1969 when I saw The Graduate. I turned off the radio on my drive home and just thought about everything I had seen."--K.S.
Carbondale:
"Tonight, for the first time ever, I found myself clapping along with a packed house at the end of a movie."--K.S.
Peoria:
"What a great film, the audience laughed, cried and apllauded in unison. With a standing ovation at the end."--R.S.
INDIANA:
Evansville:
"I have been to other movies on their first night showings in Evansville, Indiana before, but I have NEVER seen it PACK a theater before! There were NO seats empty at the 6:50 showing, and the line for the 10:00 show was outside the theater. You would have been proud. The crowd cheered at the end of the MOVIE! I did not believe my ears." --W.E.
Indianapolis:
"After the film, as my partner, a friend and I were leaving the theater, I overheard a high school aged employee talking about "security". I stopped and asked the kid to confirm what I thought I had heard. Yes, as it turned out, there was an armed police officer on the premises during the screening of the film. The young man informed me that it was for our protection, "in case anyone started yelling" or causing a disturbance. Dryly, I replied that I could see how that would be a concern. He then informed me that the only other time the theater had had armed security was during the opening of Eminem's 8 Mile. Later, I went back to the theater to purchase advance tickets for my parents, and My brother and his wife. All other shows today had sold out, and the box office was turning people away."--M.C.
"Saw your film tonight in a sold out theatre. First movie I've seen in a long time that the audience applauded at the end, not to mention several times during the movie."--A.P.
Portage:
"Just wanted to report how amazed I was at the Portage, IN showing of Farenheit 911. The scene was similar to pictures you have of lines stretched around the theatre. All of this in a small town in Indiana! What was most impressive was the crowd. The crowd had to match the demographic of America as perfectly as possible. All races, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds. I expected a "liberal" looking crowd - whatever that means. But I was SHOCKED to see the perfect blend of American society that viewed the film."--J.R.
IOWA:
Ames:
"In Ames, Iowa, (home of Jane Smiley's "Moo U," conservative Iowa State University) the two evening showings hosted lines down the street. The theater was packed, buzzing. Two young men made sure we knew they were registering people to vote afterwards. We've recently moved to town and I met new people just by sitting next to them.
The show was amazing, moving, and often hard to watch. I cried so hard so many times. Thank you for this film. But thank you also for giving us something to rally behind. I haven't seen so many people looking so hopeful in a long time. We all looked down at the long, long line, and we all figured out the same thing at the same time: this will end. This horrible lie we have been delivered in this administration, this plague -- it will go away, because in Ames, Iowa, in tiny little Ames, Iowa, a show about how wrong our country has gone packed the house. Twice in one night. And think of all the people we will tell, and how many will go see it after tonight.
For a year I've felt like I've been spat on for wondering if the administration lied about a war, about so many things. Tonight was hard, and I'm in pain, but I also have hope. I'm not just not alone, I'm surrounded by people wondering the same thing. Somehow we can dig out of this. Somehow -- we've got to. We just have got to."--H.C.
Cedar Rapids:
All shows at the Collins Road Theater were sold out, and likely will sell out again tomorrow.
KANSAS:
Overland Park:
"I went to the 7:15pm show in Overland Park, KS (Town Center 20). As you probably know, Kansas (and in particular here in Johnson County) is very, very conservative. Initially there was 1 screen to show the movie, when I bought the tickets yesterday (Thursday). At 7:00 pm the one screen was sold out and another screen had been added. The 9:45 pm show was not sold out on its one screen at that point. When we left the theater, I checked the 9:15pm show. It was sold out and now a second screen was opened up for 9:45pm."--B.P.
LOUISIANA:
New Orleans:
"Fahrenheit 9/11 was totally sold out on all showings at the one downtown theater which has it currently."--V.W.
MARYLAND:
Annapolis:
"My friends and I just came back from Crown Theatres in Annapolis, where the movie quickly sold out, and folks were lined up to see it." S.H.
Frederick:
"I attended the screening with my mother, who currently works for Homeland Security, and my father, retired US Army who served two tours in Vietnam. We were all deeply effected by your film. I've been a big fan over the years, and this was the one film I've been waiting for (Spiderman 2, get out of the way, yours is the must-see this summer). The Right-wing attack machine was wrong. It wasn't left-leaning nut jobs in the theatre. I saw families, couples, Americans of all ages (from kids prime for the draft, to an elderly couple that hobbled in on walkers). At the end of the film, you received a hearty round of applause from this cross section of the country. Something my father said as we left the theatre. He was on the National Mall last week, and a college student asked him to sign a petition to remove the President from office. My father thought that was a rude thing to ask and declined to sign. Leaving the theatre today, he was ready to sign. One vote at a time, one drop at a time, will lead to the wave that will wash Mr. Bush back to Texas for good."--S.B.
MASSACHUSETTS:
Boston:
"I arrived at 4:30 to a crowd of several hundred people waiting in line to get in, and several hundred more looking for tickets. I stood in line for roughly 15 minutes as more and more people arrived. Your film, of course, was unbelievable, and I had the privilege of laughing, crying, and experiencing it all with 600 fellow Americans. It was everything I hoped it would be and more, and for that I thank you deeply and from the bottom of my heart. Your patriotism and pride are what will bring this country out of the darkness Bush has deserted us in. On exiting the theatre, I discovered a crowd of nearly 1,000 outside, and heard the news that the 7:30, 10:30, and newly added midnight showing had all sold out already."--P.V.
Cambridge:
"At the 640pm showing of F911 in the Lowes in Harvard Square tonight, a manager (?) of the theater made an announcement that the show was sold out and that every seat would be used. He also susprised the audience by saying that he heard that the last price he heard for tickets outside the theater was $40. What was even more surprising is that I didn't see anybody get up and leave to try to sell their ticket to someone outside who was willing to pay slightly over 4x the normal admission fee!"--P.J.
Dedham:
"But in Dedham, Massachusetts the line stretched for blocks-I've never seen anything like that there-a very pleasant surprise."--T.R.
North Attleboro:
"Went to the 7:10p showing and there wasn't a seat to be found - you sobered a lot of people in the audience tonight, including myself. At the end you got a nice heartfelt round of applause. I did notice that masses finest were on hand outside afterwards, presumably to 'keep the peace.'"
MICHIGAN:
Grand Blanc:
"We live in one of the suburbs of Flint, Michigan and attended the opening at Showcase East in Flint. What a great, thought provoking movie!! Everyone should see this movie and my family and I will be urging all of our friends and neighbors to see it. We also come from a "military family" and enjoyed the part in the movie about the "stalking" recruiters. Just before our youngest son enlisted, his recruiter went a step further than the recruiters dipicted in the movie. My son's recruiter showed up at his graduation party to hand out recruiting brochures to our guests and when we moved to a new house shortly after, he actually spent a whoe day helping us move!"--D.H.
MINNESOTA:
Minneapolis:
"A small, 5 screen theater, the Lagoon, devoted three screens to the film. Even with this many screens, every showing of the night sold out. Not only that, but due to Movietickets.com over booking advance tickets to the theater, a large, single screen theater, the Uptown, opened it’s doors to the film to the estimated 100 over booked movie-goers and allowing an additional 400 to enjoy the film. Fahrenheit 9/11 received a standing ovation from the crowd of the Uptown."--B.W.
MISSOURI:
"Movie sold out today and tomorrow at the Chase Park Plaze here in St Louis. 9 showings per day starting at noon and midnight showings just added for Fri and Sat nights. Much enthusiam and support from the audience. Applause at the end of the show and also at the part about Ashcroft being defeated by a dead man." --L.S.
"Columbia, Missouri (just north of the state capital) has an interesting mix of college liberals (students at the University of Missouri, like me) and Bible-belt conservatives. I have lived in Missouri (St. Louis and Columbia) all my life. The film has a bit of a local connection in its mention of John Ashcroft’s loss to the late Mel Carnahan for the Senate seat. I thought you’d be happy to know that on the voiceover “The voters of Missouri picked the dead man,” the only theater in Columbia to show the film burst into wild applause, laughter, and cheers. It was very moving to see that kind of solidarity from a group of total strangers in a movie theater. This was no political rally; there was no common political or ideological belief binding the members of the audience. It was the kind of spontaneous, unanimous outcry that is truly amazing."--D.M.
NEW JERSEY:
Hamilton:
"The movie got a standing ovation; I had goose bumps all over my entire body!! Anyone in their right mind who sees this movie will not vote for that joke of a president. Thanks for "going against the establishment" Michael; as Madonna said last week!! Love, a new young fan of yours, Jena!!"
Hackettstown:
"Full house-and this is in MAJOR REPUBLICAN AREA. When we left, lines were crazy to get in... it was actually moving to see so many people - OF ALL AGES, waiting in coiling lines to get in. At the end, the crowd was cheering."--K.F.
"This is a largely Republican rural county in northwest NJ, and the lines to see the early show were out the door. But the best part is, the crowd at this showing was so large that the theatre cancelled Shrek 2 next door and showed 9/11 instead!"--L.S.
Washington Twp:
"When it was over, people were cheering and clapping and giving a standing ovation. The theater was packed and as we left, the line was out the door of people waiting to get in to see it. People were standing around outside discussing the movie and plotting how they can work to ensure Bush is not re-elected. I have never seen a response from the movie-going public like this before."--P.F-R.
Vineland:
"Opening night very disappointing. Didn't buy advance tickets and show sold out. Line was around building waiting for tickets!!!! More theaters need to show this movie, especially in rural areas!"--D.B.
NEW MEXICO:
Albuquerque:
"We arrived around 45 minutes early to the 4:55 showing Friday, with a line already forming. The movie was packed, and I can tell you that it was phenomenal. Lots of applause at many points, standing ovation at the end, and countless other moments that are being duplicated throughout the nation. What really hit home to me, however, was the fact that you touched my friends. They may still be Republican, but they are reconsidering voting for Bush. As I told them, the opinions may be yours, but the facts are irrefutable and hold true. We laughed, cried, and were inspired. Thank you. Oh yes, it should be noted. Leaving the theater, I saw the longest line I've ever seen for your movie at the 7:00 showing. Yes, longer than all three Lord of the Rings films and the Matrix films."--B.A.
NEW YORK:
Albany:
"I attended the very first showing today at the Crossgates Mall Cinema in Guilderland, New York, just outside of Albany. The theater was absolutely packed for the 12:50 p.m. showing. It was wonderful to experience this film with so many kindred spirits. Emotions ran high throughout the screening as people, laughed, cried, burst into applause and respectfully remained silent at various points in the film. As Fahrenheit 9/11 concluded, the audience erupted in cheers and I yelled "Bravo to Michael!" I can't remember the last time something like this happened at a movie theatre."--E.G.
Brooklyn: "I saw it at the Rose Cinema in Fort Greene in Brooklyn -- because it was sold out in the rest of New York -- and the house was packed. I used to live in New York, but moved away years ago, so I wasn't in the city on Sept 11, but as I'm sure you can guess, there was a kind of gripping feeling sitting in the room with so many people who remembered the way the city was when the towers came down."--M.E.H.
Rochester: "In Rochester, N.Y. the early show at the Little Theater was sold out this morning. Tickets for the 9:20 show went on sale at 6 and were sold out by 6:10. So my friend (who missed the tickets by one person) and I attempted to get tickets for the 7:20 show in Pittsford. Also sold out. We then booked on Fandango for Webster for the 7:45, and got there before that too, sold out."
"I was the "chaperone" tonight for my 16 year-old son and 10 of his friends. It was their idea -- I went with their group to make SURE they got in. I want to let you know that the discussion among them, standing in front of the theater after the film, was about how you can register to vote, if you could register ahead of time before your 18th birthday, and if not, how close to the election date could you register. I think that's fantastic! Made my heart sing!"--S.C.
"I sat in a packed theater that was packed with wealthy people from all over the eastside of Rochester, NY. This rich, conservative, white audience broke into applause several times during the screening. Thunderous applause rose up at the end. I WAS AMAZED. We walked out, quietly, but excited about what to do next. We were greeted by lines of people crushing in to see the next show. Something wonderful in happening here."--C.C.
Syracuse:
"Im not sure if they sold out, but the line stretched all the way down the block, and was by far the most people I have seen waiting for a film at this place. I didn't get to see how many were inside or find out if it was a sell-out, Im going tomorrow for the Peace Council Benefit."--D.E.
Nyack:
"I believe my 4:15 movie at the Palisades Theater in Nyack, New York was sold out (it may have been close to sold out). At the end of the film (and several times during it) the audience applauded."
NEVADA:
Reno:
"We decided to see the 11:30am matinee as we thought our chances of getting a seat for an earlier show would be better. As we walked into the theatre we were surprised to see that it was nearly filled to capacity, in one of the theater's largest rooms. People cheered and clapped all through the film. We all had a blast!"--P.W.
NORTH CAROLINA:
Durham:
"Fahrenheit 9/11 opened at The Carolina Theatre of Durham, downtown Durham's only historic movie palace to TWO solds-out shows with crowds of avid fans. 1006 fans per show clapped and cheered and gave the film two standing ovations. We had to add an additional show at 11:30 pm to accommodate everyone standing in
line in the rain and scorching heat and humidity."--Elisabeth Branigan, The Carolina Theatre.
OHIO:
Bexley:
"Great documentary. The Drexel Theatre in Bexley, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, was sold out for all evening performances Friday. It was a somber crowd exiting the theatre, although applause was loud at the end, and during several scenes." --R.D.
Cincinnati:
"The film showed in one auditorium only... and every seat was taken... all the other auditoriums were half-full at best.... After we had tickets in hand, it took 20 minutes just to get into the auditorium and get a seat. I've waited in line for movie tickets before... I've never waited in line to get a seat! ...The scheduled start time was 9:45PM... it was 10:20 PM when the opening / previews started. We got out of the theater at 12:30 AM... there was another huge line waiting to get their seats." --M.G.
"I wasn't expecting too many folks to come out to the 4:00 show, being that most people are still at work--- but the matinee show that i saw was well attended-- and the people coming out of the 11:00 a.m. Show were telling everyone-- people they didn't know (myself being one of them)--- to go see Farenheit 9/11. By the time my show had let out, i noticed that the theater (AMC, Newport on the Levee) had opened a second house and there was a line forming for the next show; which was the 7:00 p.m. and was sold out! This kind of thing dosn't happen here, especially on the same night as a Reds game. The local NBC station (channel 5) was there--- the piece wasn't very long--but they came out to film the line which i consider PROGRESS."--D.E.
Columbus:
"I went to AMC Easton in Columbus, OH, and after getting in the movie i saw a thing that i never, but never saw before in my entire life, and belive me, i go to movies a lot, i mean a lot, almost every week. Police officers were inside the room where the movie was going to be shown, i don't really know the reason why. Almost all the seats where taken and i never saw such a commotion with a movie, it was more like a follow through, applause were given at almost every sentence spoken, and sometimes scenes just made your hair stand up."--G.L.
Cuyahoga Falls:
"My wife and I had to drive an hour to see you film since it is not playing anywhere near us(Youngstown, Ohio). We went to a 4:30 showing and the theater was packed! Afterward people were milling around discussing the movie."--J.W.
OKLAHOMA:
Oklahoma City:
"The mega theater currently is showing 13 films, several showing in more than one theater at a time. But the only line that stretched out the door and into the parking lot was for the single theater showing of Fahrenheit 9/11. After leaving the theater, I passed another long line waiting to get into the next showing. Even here in Oklahoma, you are making an impact! After the movie, it was great to behold the number of people standing around the theater after watching the movie, talking about the movie. You certainly worked a lot harder than Bush has this year, and I hope your film wakes this nation up finally to what has been going on. Shame on our American media for failing to bring this kind of reporting to the public."--M.A.
TENNESSEE:
Nashville:
"We thought the show would be sold out all day, but thought that we should give Fandango a shot. We got the last pair of tickets for the entire day. Greenhills Regal Cinema informed us that all tickets were sold out for all 5 shows by 1pm. A record high. There were crowds of all walks of people, gathered together, talking with each other very friendly outside of the theater waiting for the 11am showing to unload.... There was a standing ovation for you at the show, I'll have you know. I wish you could have been there to be honored. I've been telling all of my friends to vote and how important it is for everyone to vote, and now after seeing this movie, I think that they are so pissed off and disgusted, they are going to actually go to the court house with me on Election Day!" Karen, 21.
TEXAS:
College Station:
"I am in College Station Texas, home of A&M, the heart of Aggieland. We have a street named after George Bush and a building named after Barbara. My husband and I had no party, we werent apart of any large gathering. But we went Friday afternoon. Mr. Moore the place was packed, there were even one or two people sitting on the floor! When we left the first evening show already had a very long line, and there was even a tv camera out front. And I, originally from the north, had worried about the films reception. We all laughed and cried, applauded and gasped together. I have seen all of your movies, and I honestly knew most of the facts about 911 and Bush that you shared with us. But the way you put it together, your humor and your humanity, your integrity and dedication to the truth....this has touched us all. This is the best thing you have ever done. Your movie will be a hugely contributing factor to this administrations downfall, and for that I thank you more than I can ever truly express. Seeing your movie hurt my heart, but that kind of jarring is just what this nation needs."--R.
Houston:
"Living in Houston, heart of "BUSH Country", my whole family, including in-laws piled into 3 cars and went to the opening to support Fahrenheit 911. We were surprised to find the showing sold out at the first theatre, but managed to find seats at the second we tried. We LOVED the movie, which gave us real hope that freedom and democracy will return to this Great Country in November. The audience gave a long ovation at the end."--J.P.
"I attended tonight in Southeast Houston (home of Enron, Haliburton, & George Bush Sr) and the showing was full, as well as the one before and after! Groups supporting Richard Morrison (Tom Delay's Democratic opponent), members of MoveOn.org and area peace groups are attending. At least one-quarter of the attendees were wearing blue shirts (after receiving emails from MoveOn to wear blue so we'd know each other). People were walking in and reacting with amazement and pleasure at the long lines of people waiting for the movie! Leaving, people were openly speaking about how glad they were that the movie was made."--P.W.
"I cut out from work early today here in Houston, TX to check out the 4:30 screening at the Landmark River Oaks. On the way out there was a guy from fox news that asked if we wanted to comment on the movie. I said my piece and then he talked to my fiance’, Amy. We figured with the hundreds and hundreds of people turning out there was no way we’d make it on the evening news…just felt like speaking our minds. Then we thought “wonder if they’ll quote us accurately, I mean, it IS FOX..”. Sure enough we turned on Fox News at 9 and there were three comments shown. Mine came first, then my Amy’s and another woman after that. Amy said I didn’t sound funny and actually made sense. So, I saw a great movie and got my mug on TV speaking my mind about a politically charged issue for the first time in my life. All in all, a great day."--B.S.
Dallas:
"My family and I went to the 7:50 showing at Grapevine Mills in Grapevine. There were a few theaters to choose from, but I wanted to be with the biggest crowd possible on this one (I normally avoid crowds like the plague), and this was the biggest. The show was sold out, and the audience cheered and appluaded all the way through. In fact I need to see it again to catch some comments you made, as I couldn't hear over the cheering. Some were crying by the end as well, I found it difficult to hold back the tears myself when the Iraqi woman was screaming for God to destroy out homes."--D.S.
"I have good news from North Texas, the famed Bush country. I live in Denton, Texas and attended the 11:20 a.m. showing of your film at the Grapevine Mills mall in Grapevine, Texas. The show was nearly sold out. At the end of it, the entire audience gave a standing ovation for nearly five minutes. Applause actually broke out twice during the film, but the end
simply blew the roof off the place. The second showing I attended was at the same theatre, but at 5:00 p.m. I brought friends, several kicking and screaming. Thankfully, I bought tickets online. If I had not, we wouldn't have been able to get in as the show sold out. In fact, the remaining six shows for the evening (three per screen) had sold out by 4:30 that afternoon. At the end of my second, sold-out screening, the audience again gave a standing ovation. You have touched a nerve, Mr. Moore."--S.W.
"I was surpised to see so many people in a theatre on a weekday afternoon. I live outside Dallas...definitely Bush territory. Throughout the movie, you could literally feel the tension growing in the theatre--people were glued to the screen. When the scene of Mr. Moore asking that first Congressman to send his own children to Iraq appeared, the audience burst into applause. There were several more times when the audience clapped after that. At the end, the audience clapped for at least one minute as the credits rolled. I have never experienced that before. As I left the theatre, a woman was handing out cards asking people for their opinions. Everyone, I mean everyone, grabbed one and filled it out. I asked a couple of people what they thought of the film. Every person there shared my feelings about the film--they loved it. They were shocked by it but were glad to know the truth."--T.B.
Fort Worth:
"I had to drive two hours to see the movie in Fort Worth; you see I live in North Texas just below Oklahoma. I've never seen a standing ovation in a theater in my life! Every time one of the people who were interviewed said something that was totally moving, people clapped and cheered like they were at a football game. The only thing that bothered me was as I was leaving there were about 10 to 20 police officers waiting for the reaction of the rowdy crowd that was watching the movie."--R.
Austin:
"Just a quick FYI that all theaters in Austin, TX were soild out all day, and have already sold out most time for Saturday -- Sunday tickets are selling quickly. My wife and I were first in line for the 5:10 show at the Arbor and the line went out the door, where people had to stand in the pouring rain. Standing ovations when the mvie was done. TV newscasters (channel 5, at least) could not find a single person who did not love the movie."--B.W.
"The movie started out on two screens, but sold out. The theatre kept adding screens until the movie was showing on seven of the theater's twelve screens! I don't have pictures, unfortunately, but the crowds and lines were amazing. I got there an hour before my 10:20pm showing, and there was already a huge line in front of me of people waiting. When I had bought the ticket, there was only one screen at 10:20pm. When I arrived, there were four screens showing the film at 10:20pm. Tomorrow, they're going to be showing the film on eight screens total. It might be interesting to contact the manager of the AMC Barton Square theater in Austin, TX and get their side. I don't think I've seen crowds like that there, ever."--P.B.
VIRGINIA:
Alexandria:
"I did not have a ticket when I arrived to the theater and every show was sold out! I met up with some people who were there selling bumper stickers to raise money for voter registration in battleground states. They had an extra ticket and shared it with me to go see the movie. I supported their cause by buying some "Re-defeat Bush" paraphenalia including a "Re-defeat Bush" condom (so we don't get screwed again!). I also signed up to help them register voters in battleground states. It was great! I started the night out with no friends to speak of and no movie ticket, and I ended up seeing your movie and meeting some other people like myself, who really want to make a positive change in this country. I also thought the movie was fantastic. It was very informative and enlightening. A crowded roomful of strangers, some unhappy with Bush and unsure of the direction our country is headed in, came together as individuals to see what this movie was about and left energized, cheering and talking to each other...and hopefully willing to do something about it!"--C.M.
Roanoke:
"It is currently 12:55am and I have just got home from seeing the 10pm showing of Fahrenheit 9/11. I purchased my tickets at 8:30 pm, at that time the only show left was the 10pm. I showed up at the theater at 8:40. The lobby was completely packed. There were hordes of people pouring out of the door. Still more, standing in the pouring rain. I was one of those people in the rain. I stood in the rain from 9:40pm until 10:15om, until they were able to get us seated. I came to find out that the movie had sold out shortly after I bought my tickets. Every seat was full and there were some people even sitting on the floor. I absolutely adore this movie. And I say to anyone, you cannot walk away from this movie without being effected. Even if you close your ears to all the facts, the images will live with you forever. I was moved to tears many times. And at the end of the movie there was an ovation from everyone in the theater." --S.P.
Fairfax City:
"There were huge crowds; the film was sold out. There were people registering voters, and people soliciting campaign volunteers. This is democracy in action. As a Gulf War combat veteran, I thank you for telling the truth. I’d give your film a five-star rating. Thank you especially for dedicating the film to our Nation’s soldiers who have fallen in Bush’s senseless slaughter. Thank you for remembering them. I present this simple message to you while you have 15 minutes in the limelight: register voters, then get them to the polls. Remove the unelected Bush, then end the war."--P.S.
Virginia Beach:
"The first thing I noticed about the theater during my early show was the diversity of people there. All ages, from teens to 70's, and many different cultures. It was unreal. The theater was packed full, even during the early hour. During the movie there was laughing, crying, and plenty of silence, especially when the brave mother, Lila, was visiting the White House. At the end, there was literally thunderous applause.... We were so surprised and pleased to see such an amazing turnout, especially here in the Norfolk area, with such a high military population. We ourselves are a military family, and my husband is currently serving in the Navy, as he has for the last 14 years. But we have always enjoyed Mr. Moore's point of view and usually agree with him. We wish more people would put thought into who they vote for, instead of just following the crowd."--S.M.
Northern Virginia:
"My friends and I drove around to 8 different theaters in Northern Virginia (Arlington, Metro DC area) with over 25 screens showing your movie and every one was sold out, even the ones that showed at 1:30 and 2:00 am. There were lines wrapped completely around buildings and blocks and there were groups at each location registering people to vote and passing out flyers."--R.W.
Arlington:
"As a physician, navy doctor, and government employee. I applaud your film. It made me cry, laugh, and angry.... Sadly, I will leave this government as a highly respected official if he is reelected - it will be too dangerous to represent this country overseas... I applaud you Mike, and God bless for telling the story that I've known for nearly 4 years."
WASHINGTON, DC
Huge lines reported in Georgetown will all showing sold out through 1:30 AM show.
WISCONSIN:
Milwaukee:
"With 1000 people, at an art house theater, it is RARE that they even open up the second level. With the exception of a sold-out croud when a film premered at the Milwaukee International Film Festivel in Milwaukee, no major presentation has sold out that theater in years. 10 years at least, if not 20. The 7:00 showing was completely sold out, so much so that there was a line to get OUT of the theater. There was a 10 minute standing ovation over the film, with clapping going on throughout the movie. It was a party, and thanks to Michael Moore we supported a great theater and an amazing film. I enjoyed the experience so much that I am intending on going again tomorrow."--N.C.
"I went into the movie theater not really knowing what to expect. I wanted to see a documentary because I think they are cool and I wasn't really sure what my stance on Bush was. Your movie was amazing. It was very touching and emotional and hilarious. It was able to present factual information in a way so that people would listen."--D.W.
CANADA
Montreal:
"I can only hope this movie will encourage Canadian voters NOT to vote for Stephen Harper, the right-wing conservative who wants to take our country closer to the Bushes of the world. We have too much to lose to let that happen." --S.M.
"I just wanted to report that showings of Fahrenheit 9/11 are selling out across the city of Montreal. I've never seen such a crowd!"--G.A.
Toronto:
"I went to see the film June 25, first showing at 1:00 in Toronto. The theatre was packed! I've never seen so many people at this particular theatre during the day. Usually there's only about a dozen people at matinees. I thought at first that maybe it was a National Holiday and no one told me! At the end, the audience applauded. This is the first time I've ever seen applause at the end of a film here in Canada."
"The movie was so popular, they were sold out all day in 3 theatres,. we went to see it at 6pm and the only ticket available was a 10:40pm show. Naturally we bought the tickets and came back.. where they had added a midnight showing at the last minute with lineups. I've never seen such response to any movie every."--J.P.was packed, in the evening we sold out all 6 shows, so we added another. That's a total of 7, which is no small feat, considering each of our theatres holds 455 seats!"
