"Steal This Story, Please!", an acclaimed documentary centered on the distinguished independent journalist Amy Goodman, has officially been acquired by Music Box Films for its North American distribution. This acquisition includes both digital and home entertainment rights, marking a significant milestone for the film after its impressive theatrical run. Directed by the Oscar-nominated duo Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, the documentary delves into Goodman's impactful career, highlighting her commitment to fearless journalism in an evolving media landscape. Its success at various film festivals and strong box office performance underscore its resonance with audiences and critics alike, emphasizing the enduring relevance of independent reporting.
The film, a powerful exploration of Amy Goodman's pioneering work, initially captivated audiences during its self-distributed theatrical release across the United States. It garnered nearly $1 million at the box office, demonstrating a strong public appetite for stories that champion independent media. Following this success, Music Box Films stepped in to broaden its reach, confirming a digital release across all major platforms set for October 20. This move is expected to bring Goodman's compelling narrative to a much wider audience, allowing more viewers to engage with the critical themes presented in the documentary.
Adding to the excitement, a special live online screening of "Steal This Story, Please!" is planned for October 13 at 8 p.m. ET. This event will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, offering a unique opportunity for viewers to directly engage with Amy Goodman, along with directors Tia Lessin and Carl Deal. This interactive component aims to deepen the audience's understanding of the film's subject matter and the challenges faced by independent journalism today. The film's journey began with its premiere at the prestigious 2025 Telluride Film Festival, subsequently earning audience awards at 11 other festivals, including significant wins at Mill Valley, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Woodstock.
The documentary's theatrical run was particularly noteworthy, commencing with its debut at the IFC Center in New York. There, it achieved an opening weekend gross of over $30,000 and maintained its strong performance for 12 consecutive weeks. Its subsequent expansion into more than 50 markets nationwide solidified its position as one of the year's top-performing non-fiction releases. Music Box Films will now oversee all future theatrical bookings, building on the film's established momentum. The distributor praised Goodman's relentless pursuit of truth through her program "Democracy Now!," noting the film's rich archival footage and its portrayal of Goodman navigating a media environment characterized by technological shifts, corporate consolidation, and political pressures.
Carl Deal expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Music Box family, anticipating that a broader audience will connect with Amy's story during a period when freedom of expression faces increasing threats. Tia Lessin echoed this sentiment, highlighting Goodman's early recognition of independent journalism's crucial role in a democratic society, especially its resistance to powerful influences. Both filmmakers are committed to maintaining the spirit of editorial independence and direct audience engagement that defines both Amy's work and their own. Music Box Films further celebrated the documentary's exceptional performance, including its record-breaking week at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago, underscoring the film's capacity to move and entertain audiences despite prevailing industry skepticism regarding the theatrical viability of documentaries, particularly those with political themes.
