Shock and Awe

The film is based on the true events of Knight Ridder journalists who were the only ones who “got it right” in the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War when they questioned the true nature of the Bush White House’s justification for the conflict.Immediately after 9/11, the US government under George W. Bush, began maneuvering and mobilizing for an invasion of Iraq. Without any firm evidence, a campaign was launched that took over almost the entire American media machine. However, four fearless reporters from the press agency Knight Ridder refused to jump on the propaganda bandwagon. Raising questions that nobody else dared to ask, they reported on the dubious basis for the war plans. Under immense pressure they maintained their integrity – even in the face of bitter scorn and hate. Director Rob Reiner brings the true story of journalists Jonathan Landay, Warren Strobel, John Walcott and Joe Galloway to the screen and tells a tale about courage and honesty during a thought-provoking chapter of American history. (Dallas International Film Festival)