Controversy Over New Movie, "The Seige"

August 24, 1998

Source: The New York Times

A New York Times article on August 24, 1998, reports on Muslim concern over the trailers for the film "The Siege." "American Muslims and Arab-Americans who have seen the trailers are sounding the alarm at what they fear is a dangerous film that will feed suspicion and hatred of Arabs and Muslims in this country." They are writing in protest while the film is being edited prior to November release. The director Mr. Zwick is quoted as saying the film "very much touches on the themes of repression and racism that exist, I believe, often on or just below the surface of this society." And while he cannot predict the impact of his work, he hopes it will be provocative and encourage dialogue rather than reinforce stereotypes.