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Cuomo to Make Case for PG-13 on ‘9/11’

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Times Staff Writer

When Lions Gate Films and IFC Films appeal the R rating for Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 9/11” at a hearing next Tuesday, former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo will make their case for a less commercially limiting PG-13, the companies announced Tuesday in New York.

Although Cuomo, a Democrat, may make a persuasive argument for the documentary that is harshly critical of the Bush administration, it is unusual for anyone not directly involved with a film to participate in the appeal of a rating.

The Motion Picture Assn. of America awarded the R rating, under which theaters bar children under 17 from seeing a film unless they are accompanied by a parent or adult, “for violent and disturbing images and for language.”

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“We are adamant about overturning this decision in an expeditious manner to ensure that as many people as possible ... are able to see one of the most important and thought-provoking films of our time,” said Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Releasing.

On another front, Sacramento-based Move America Forward has launched an e-mail campaign to persuade theater owners not to show Moore’s film, which is slated to open June 25 in 500 to 700 theaters, the most ever for a documentary.

Targeted theater owners could not be reached for comment late Tuesday.

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