Browse Films

The Patriot Act and increasing restrictions on freedom makes this timeless documentary even more relevant today. It is a thought-provoking and entertaining investigation of the far-reaching historic effects of the McCarran Walter Act.

McCarran Walter was largely repealed in the 1980s -- repealed with the help of this documentary. But the Patriot Act revived much of this McCarthy era law that had been used to bar 250,000 foreigners from entering the U.S. on political grounds. Exclusive interviews with prominent U.S. cultural and political figures amplify the legacy of this Cold War law and its blockade of democracy's free flow of ideas.

"Effectively challenges the portrayal of the U.S. as a 'marketplace of ideas'... skilfully draws out contradictions." Journal of Contemporary Sociology

"An excellent resource for classes." Journal of American History

"Fascinating...A model of balanced investigative journalism." In These Times

"A bold, indignant documentary." Newsday

"Responsible...persuasive...Watch it." New York Times

The filmmakers traveled to twelve countries to interview people invited to speak or participate in U.S. cultural activities, to learn why they had been denied U.S. visas and what they might have told Americans if allowed to enter the U.S. Intercutting historic footage to help provide context, Do Not Enter includes:

The excluded: Nobel Laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Nobel Laureate Dario Fo and Franca Rama, playwrights/actors, Italy; Carlos Fuentes, author, Mexico; Nino Pasti, ex-NATO General, Italy; Danny Morrison, Sinn Fein leader, N. Ireland; Hortensia Allende, widow of slain Chilean president; Tomas Borge, ex-Interior Minister, Nicaragua; Ernest Mandel, economist, Belgium; Maritza Ruiz, Co-madres, and Roberto d'Aubuisson, political leader, El Salvador; Venerable Sato, peace activist, Japan; Oscar Niemeyer, architect, Brazil; Jan Myrdal, Sweden.

The Critics: Authors Arthur Miller, John Irving, Susan Sontag and Rose Styron; Rep. Barney Frank; Charles Gordon, ex-Chief Counsel, Immigration and Naturalization Service; Mort Halperin and Burt Neuborne, ACLU; Jeri Laber, Helsinki Watch.

This outstanding video should be seen by every educator who believes in academic freedoms. Also suitable for college students, it could easily be used as the basis for discussing what, if any, limits should be imposed on free speech. Those who would dismiss U.S. restrictions by suggesting that 'foreigners' need not be granted First Amendment rights, might well examine the 'flip side,' that is, the possible infringement of U.S. citizens' rights to hear opposing opinions. Four Gold Stars.
Teaching Equity Journal

Effectively challenges the portrayal of the U.S. as a 'marketplace of ideas'...skilfully draws out contradictions.
Journal of Contemporary Sociology

An excellent resource for classes.
Journal of American History

Fascinating...A model of balanced investigative journalism
In These Times

A bold, indignant documentary.
Newsday

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AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• Silver Hugo, Chicago International Film Festival
• Red Ribbon, American Film Festival
• First Prize, International Association of Journalists