Our Debt to Documentary Film I.O.U.S.A.

Did you know that the nation’s debt is $9.6 trillion and rising? The nation’s debt now accounts for 66% of the gross national product! Does this make you as sick as it does me?  If so, keep reading…

Director Patrick Creadon (Wordplay) has done it again. He has crafted a documentary film that is getting a ton of attention, and a theatrical play.  I.O.U.S.A (great title) opens August 22 around the country and hopes to draw a crowd that will be willing and ready to swallow the horrors that this film shines a light on… The US of A is in serious financial trouble.

I am cheering for this one to go all the way up the box office charts, not only for the good of America, but for the good of the documentary genre. You have my opening weekend dollars.

My concern, however, lies in the “misery theater” aspect of the information I.O.U.S.A is sharing.  How many people are going to drag themselves out to the theater to see just how bad the state of affairs is due to our hero, George W. Bush and others like him? Will this film be just one more film that distributors can call on as a theatrical failure?   Now I have not seen the film, therefore I am not knocking it, just a bit concerned.

“I.O.U.S.A. is the kind of film that is so timely, so immediate in its concerns, that it should air on network television tonight, rather than go through a lengthy festival and theatrical run.”

— AJ Schnack | All These Wonderful Things

I have to agree, based solely on the topic, this is a documentary made for television. We are wanting eyeballs here, as many as we can get. People just aren’t running to the theaters anymore to see topics that depress without a huge hook - like Michael Moore.

YES! This film must be seen, by everyone with a head on their shoulders. People need to know what is going on in the real world around them.  Playing Wii Tennis does not mean you are playing tennis!!! Get out of the house. In this case, drag yourself to the theater and support our local filmmaking heroes. I.O.U.S.A. needs your support and so does our economy.

So for your country - do it! Take yourself to the theater, buy yourself a ticket and listen. Spread the word. Our country needs you! So does the state of affairs of the documentary theatrical market. YIKES!