During an interview with producers Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer on Southern California radio show, The Morning Answer with myself, Ben Shapiro and Brian Whitman, the duo discussed how Kickstarter insisted they make changes to their script and description because it was not in line with their "community guidelines."
Kickstarter bills itself as a platform designed to encourage the freedom of artistic expression. Many artists flock to this crowd sourcing platform to raise funds and awareness for the "arts" that often include inappropriate and/or vulgar language. McElhinney and McAleer noted Kickstarter currently has a potential movie project description that incudes the image of a murdered woman.
When I asked the producers what issues Kickstarter expressed about their proposal, McElhinney emphasized the hypocrisy of Kickstarter's initial response to their project:
They make a big deal out of their diversity. When we sent in our proposal with the language…obviously describing what Gosnell did because he’s a serial killer, and why else would we be making the movie?... [They responded] "We ask that the phrase a thousand babies stabbed to death and similar language be modified or removed from the project. We understand your convictions and the horror of the person’s crimes, however we’re a broad website used by millions of people and our community guidelines outline that we encourage and enforce a culture of respect and consideration and we ask that the language be specifically be modified for those reasons."
Unwilling to risk Kickstarter pulling their project, McElhinney and McAleer have chosen to use crowdfunding source IndieGoGo.com. Currently, $300K has been pledged in support of making a feature film about the horrific murders committed by Kermit Gosnell. Thankfully the free market provides artists a variety of means for having their voices heard. Kickstarter claims to be diverse but, in this instance, attempted to curb the message of those attempting to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.
To learn more about the filmmakers and their project, visit: http://www.GosnellMovie.com
