Michael Moore’s doc bowls over Cannes

Maverick doc-maker Michael Moore's sideways swipe at American gun-culture, Bowling For Columbine, was the first documentary in 46 years accepted for the Cannes Film Festival's competition section. Not surprisingly, the tale of the films' acceptance mirrors Moore's trademark audacity. At a press conference for the film, held during the festival, Moore admitted he 'looked at the [festival] website, at the bit where it says 'no documentaries,' and submitted it.' He received the acceptance call on his birthday and the film was finished the day before the festival started. Bowling went on to win the festival's 55th anniversary award.

August 1, 2002

Maverick doc-maker Michael Moore's sideways swipe at American gun-culture, Bowling For Columbine, was the first documentary in 46 years accepted for the Cannes Film Festival's competition section. Not surprisingly, the tale of the films' acceptance mirrors Moore's trademark audacity. At a press conference for the film, held during the festival, Moore admitted he 'looked at the [festival] website, at the bit where it says 'no documentaries,' and submitted it.' He received the acceptance call on his birthday and the film was finished the day before the festival started. Bowling went on to win the festival's 55th anniversary award.