Join us for a screening of the documentary film Bad Press, recipient of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion to consider the making of the film and the role of Mvskoke Media—a company that distributes information to the Mvskoke people through various channels—in fighting to preserve a free press.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth-largest Native American tribe. Out of 574 federally recognized tribes, the Muscogee Nation was one of only five to establish a free and independent press—until the tribe’s legislative branch abruptly repealed the landmark Free Press Act in advance of an election. In a time of misinformation and state-censored media, Angel Ellis, director of Mvskoke Media, and her allies rally for press freedoms and advocate for ethical coverage of Indigenous topics and communities. Bad Press tells their story.

About this film:
Bad Press, 2023 (Oklafilm; Ford Foundation; English, Mvskoke; 98 min.)

Speakers:
Joe Peeler, Co-Director of Bad Press
Angel Ellis, Director of Mvskoke Media
Jason Salsman, Press Secretary, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Moderator:
Hanaa’ Tameez, Staff Writer at Nieman Journalism Lab

Co-sponsored by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy and the Project on Indigenous Governance and Development at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Harvard University Native American Program.

Free admission, but seating is limited and registration is required. You can register by clicking on the event on this form beginning Saturday, February 17, after 10am.

The event will take place in Menschel Hall, Lower Level. Doors will open at 6:30pm at the Broadway entrance.

Limited complimentary parking is available in the Broadway Garage, 7 Felton Street, Cambridge.