Steal This Story, Please!: A Cinematic Portrait of Amy Goodman and Independent Journalism
In an era of corporate media consolidation and political pressure on the press, the documentary Steal This Story, Please! offers a timely examination of truth-telling, and resistance. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, the film explores the life and career of Amy Goodman, the investigative journalist and co-founder of the news program Democracy Now!.
The Evolution of Democracy Now!
The documentary chronicles the trajectory of Democracy Now!, which Amy Goodman launched 30 years ago on WBAI alongside co-host Juan González and Pacifica Radio. Originally established as the only daily election show in public broadcasting, the program expanded its reach from nine community radio stations to include television during the week of the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Goodman’s operate is characterized by a commitment to broadcasting voices and stories that are frequently shut out of mainstream commercial media, ranging from global conflict zones to domestic political struggles.
Behind the Lens: Production and Creative Team
The film is a collaborative effort involving high-profile activists and filmmakers. Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, known for their previous work on Citizen Koch and Trouble the Water, directed the project. The documentary also features executive production from prominent figures including Jane Fonda, Rosario Dawson, and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave.
Visually, the film is complemented by artwork from Shepard Fairey. The narrative provides a personal gaze at Goodman—described as the granddaughter of an Orthodox rabbi—and her approach to asking hard questions in a landscape reshaped by technology and political assaults on truth.
Release History and Critical Reception
Steal This Story, Please! had a strategic rollout across major film festivals before its wide release:
- World Premiere: Opened the DC/DOX film festival in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2025.
- Festival Circuit: Screened at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2025, and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam on November 15, 2025.
- Recent Screenings: Featured in the True Stories section of the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, 2026.
The film has earned over a dozen jury prizes and audience favorite awards at major festivals. Following its premiere screenings, Goodman, Deal, and Lessin participated in in-person discussions regarding the vital importance of independent journalism.
Key Takeaways
- Theatrical Release: The film opened in select theaters nationwide on April 10, 2026.
- Core Theme: A study of independent journalism as a tool for democracy and a celebration of resistance against power.
- Focus: A gripping portrait of Amy Goodman’s three-decade career and the growth of Democracy Now!.
- Runtime: 98 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the directors of Steal This Story, Please!?
The film was directed by Oscar-nominated and Emmy Awards-winning filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin.
What is the primary subject of the documentary?
The documentary focuses on the life and career of independent investigative journalist Amy Goodman and her work with the news program Democracy Now!.
When did the film hit theaters?
The documentary began its nationwide theatrical release on April 10, 2026.
Conclusion
Steal This Story, Please! serves as both a biographical portrait and a call to action. By highlighting Amy Goodman’s unwavering pursuit of truth, the film poses a critical question for the modern age: what happens to democracy when the press surrenders to power? As independent media continues to navigate a volatile political environment, the film underscores the necessity of journalism that remains beholden only to the truth.
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