The Documentary Film about Daniel Ellsberg, from Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith

1971: America is embroiled in a dirty war based on lies.
A president is abusing the power of his office, ignoring the will of the people, congress and the courts. He promises peace while planning a war without end.

One man, at the center of power, armed with a safe full of secret documents, leaks the truth about the Vietnam war to the New York Times. He risks life in prison to end the war he helped plan. His act of conscience and desperation triggers a Constitutional crisis, Watergate, the only Presidential resignation in history and finally helps end the war.

Henry Kissinger called Daniel Ellsberg, “the most dangerous man in America”

And 3 decades later, he’s still at it.

This documentary tells a story we need now.

2 minute clip:

12 minute clip:

Look for info here about the upcoming documentary film, The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers, produced and directed by Judith Ehrlich (The Good War And Those Who Refused To Fight It) and Rick Goldsmith (Tell The Truth And Run: George Seldes and the American Press)

March 24, 2008: Most Dangerous Man featured in Hollywood Reporter’s IFP coverage

We’ll be screening 60 minutes of our work-in-progress on Friday, August 1st at the Woods Hole Film Festival.  Come check it out and tell your friends!

Check here for details.

A great big thank you to everyone, for making the Daniel Ellsberg birthday party/film benefit a stunning success! We are especially grateful for the generosity of our hosts: Barbra Streisand and James Brolin, Betty and Stanley Sheinbaum, Cindy Asner, Dianna Cohen, Jackson Browne, Jodie Evans, Max Palevsky, Sheri and Richard Foos, Claire Greensfelder, Lyn and Norman Lear, Jamie and Michael Lynton, Sara Nichols, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, Marge Tabankin and Earl Katz.

See a blurb about the event on Variety’s Wilshire and Washington blog.

Patricia & Daniel Ellsberg

The party was quite an event—terrific turnout, great enthusiasm for the film clip, and all-around good energy among the guests. Dan gave a very inspiring presentation, reminding us that if not for the efforts of Stanley Sheinbaum and others gathered in the room, he would be getting out of prison this year (with good behavior).

Oliver Stone and Judith Ehrlich

We were overwhelmed by the generosity of individual donors and the support from the Hollywood community.

Rick Goldsmith & Norman Lear

We were encouraged to hear from many at the benefit that this was shaping up to be a compelling and important film that “must” be completed sooner rather than later, given the political situation in America. In fact, Representative Maxine Waters insisted on leaving with a copy of the DVD, promising she would show it immediately to the “Out of Iraq Congressional Caucus” in Congress and ask Dan to address them.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (left) and guest

Our film was featured on Laura Flanders’ GRITtv, a showcase for news and arts discussion, broadcast on satellite and cable TV (including Free Speech TV, at 8 & 1 Eastern, on the Dish Network, channel 9415). GRITtv’s “Got Docs?” program airs a documentary work-in-progress every Thursday to help generate interest and funding.

We have more good news to share following our incredible response at IFP- 25 enthusiastic meetings with television and theatrical leaders (we heard it was a record number). We have been chosen in the ITVS Open Call which means major funding and a probable PBS broadcast. POV and PBS have already stated a definite interest in the film, as well as Sundance Channel and A&E We had promising meetings with Sony Pictures Classics and Magnolia Pictures regarding theatrical release. It’s all good!!

We’re moving forward towards sharing this incredible story of personal courage in the face of a dreadful war and the lies that created it.

We now face the necessity of raising several hundred thousand dollars to match the ITVS contribution. Let us know if you’ve got ideas or want to contribute. Our non-profit, tax exempt organization is KOVNO Communications. Our snail mail address is 2600 Tenth St. #628, Berkeley, CA 94710.

Thanks,

Judith Ehrlich

We’re off to the IFP (Independent Film Project) Market in NY this weekend (September 16) with the film, and thrilled at our reception to date. First we were excited we got in. Now we’re reeling at the prospect of 17 meetings with almost all of the companies, broadcast entities and individuals we had hoped would ask to talk with us about”The Most Dangerous Man in America”.

While still early in the process, The 13 minute clip is actually beginning to reflect the texture and contours of the film we’ve been envisioning. The story trajectory is evolving daily, deepening in its import and impact.

This documentary could have been written by John LaCarre, but it’s true! We can’t wait to bring it to a theater and TV screen near you.

Check out the 2 minute clip here and let Rick Goldsmith and me know what you think.

Thanks,

Judith Ehrlich