CHILOQUIN, Ore. – The Klamath Tribes will bring a national conversation about Indigenous journalism and press freedom home to Chiloquin on Sept. 29 with a screening of the award-winning documentary “Bad Press” and an in-person discussion with two of the people at the center of the film.
“Bad Press” follows journalists at Mvskoke Media after the Muscogee Nation National Council repealed its Free Press Act in 2018, ending the news outlet’s independent status and placing it under government oversight. The film follows the journalists’ efforts as Muscogee citizens ultimately sought constitutional protections for a free press.
“Bad Press” co-director Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Mvskoke Media Director Angel Ellis will travel to Chiloquin for the event. Ellis is a central figure in the documentary and was a Mvskoke Media reporter during the events depicted in the film.
Directed by Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, “Bad Press” premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Freedom of Expression.
In addition to the public screening, Landsberry-Baker and Ellis will participate in a smaller roundtable earlier in the day with Klamath tribal leadership and staff. The 75-minute discussion will focus on freedom of the press in Indian Country, sustaining Indigenous media outlets, building trust with tribal citizens and the ethics and challenges of reporting within tribal communities.
The free public screening will be held at the Klamath Tribes Administration Auditorium, 501 Chiloquin Blvd. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner provided. The 98-minute film begins at 6 p.m. A moderated discussion and audience Q&A with Landsberry-Baker and Ellis will follow the screening.
Registration is required, and attendance is limited to 100 people. Admission and dinner are free.
Event information and registration: https://bad-press-klamath-tribes.eventbrite.com
