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tomm2thumbs

(13,297 posts) Tue Jan 19, 2016, 11:04 AM Jan 2016

Anthony's "Weiner" to be Exposed at Sundance Film Festival 2016

Directing team discusses documentary about the Anthony Weiner sex scandal, called "Weiner" and the various political ramifications that it caused, both at the time and to the present day. They are attempting to present the human side of the story... but they admit they also want to tap into the slightly ironic nature of the story and the name that gave the story a bigger twist.

The film was directed by Josh Kriegman, who served as the chief of staff for Mr. Weiner’s district office from 2005-6, and Elyse Steinberg, known for the PBS documentary “The Trial of Saddam Hussein.

*Link to in-depth NY Times article just out today on story's relationship to Hillary Clinton's aide, Huma Abedin.
Film Shows Clinton Aide’s Own Struggle With Anthony Weiner Scandal

From the article:

“Weiner” has become a source of heightened anxiety for Ms. Abedin and the Clinton campaign. She and her husband have repeatedly pleaded with filmmakers to see the movie, but have not been allowed to do so, as the project has been kept under tight control. Ms. Abedin and a spokesman for the Clinton campaign declined to comment. <snip>

The contrast between Ms. Abedin’s public and private faces can be striking. One scene has the couple in a small office working the phones for campaign contributions. Ms. Abedin uses a sweet voice when she is asking for money. “How was the engagement?” she says on one call. “I want all the details!”

The film then cuts to her hanging up, showing a total change in demeanor. “His wife is going to max out, and he’ll try to raise another five,” she says flatly.