Fahrenheit 9/11 row resolved

A row which threatened the release of controversial film-maker Michael Moore’s latest documentary has been resolved.

Disney blocked the release of the politically-charged Fahrenheit 9/11, saying it was not appropriate in a US election year.

Moore’s camp suggested the blocking of the anti-George Bush film had more to do with favourable tax conditions for Disney ventures in Florida – where the president’s brother, Jeb, is Governor.

Disney blocked its Miramax Films division from releasing the film.

After buying Miramax more than a decade ago, Disney has the right to block film distribution under certain circumstances.

But it has now emerged that the Mickey Mouse empire has agreed to sell the documentary back to Miramax Films co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein.

“We are very happy that Disney has agreed to allow Bob and Harvey to buy back the company’s entire financial interest in Fahrenheit 9/11,” said Miramax senior vice-president of corporate communications Matthew Hiltzik.

“Bob and Harvey look forward to promptly completing the transaction,” he said.

The Weinsteins will now seek a deal with another distributor.

The documentary, which is set to be presented to the Cannes Film Festival, looks at the policies of the Bush Administration before and after the terrorist attacks of September 11.

It examines the links between the Bush family and the Saudi Royal Family, and how oil concerns may have affected the current President Bush’s policies after the terror attack.

And it includes comments from soldiers disillusioned with the war in Iraq.

Moore wrote the bestseller Stupid White Men, attacking right-wing politics in the US, and famously ranted against President Bush and the Iraq war at the 2003 Oscars.

“Shame on you Mr Bush, shame on you,” he shouted.