Amy Goodman Inspires S.F. with ‘Steal This Story, Please!’ Message
The new documentary Steal This Story, Please! opens at the Roxie Theater on April 17. It runs through April 23, with in-person Q&As featuring Amy Goodman and director Tia Lessin on April 18 and 19.
Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, the film traces Goodman’s career and the rise of Democracy Now!. Jane Fonda, Tom Morello and Rosario Dawson serve as executive producers. The program coincides with Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary.
Goodman’s reporting philosophy
Amy Goodman built a career around giving voice to the silenced. Her reporting manifesto, titled Steal This Story, Please!, urges journalists to seek out stories left out by mainstream outlets.
Goodman launched Democracy Now! from Pacifica Radio. The documentary notes Pacifica’s Berkeley roots and credits founder Lou Hill. The program is presented as fully viewer-supported and independent.
Key moments captured in the film
The film documents major episodes from Goodman’s reporting life. It highlights coverage of the 1991 East Timor massacre by Indonesian forces. That reporting, by Goodman and colleague Alan Aaron, helped spur U.S. pressure and changes in funding for the Indonesian military.
The documentary also recalls arrests during reporting. One cited example is Goodman’s arrest while covering the 2008 Republican National Convention. The film includes footage and scenes from protests such as Standing Rock.
Impact and advocacy
Directors and Goodman frame the film as a call to action. They argue independent, nonprofit journalism is essential to preserve democratic norms. The documentary warns about corporate consolidation and rising authoritarian tendencies.
Press freedom and current threats
Tia Lessin warned about cuts to public funding for media. She described the elimination of federal support for public broadcasting as a severe blow to community outlets. The film links those losses to weakened local coverage.
Goodman and Lessin highlight increasing pressure on reporters. They point to physical assaults, doxxing, destruction of cameras on January 6, and lawsuits against journalists. They say these trends make citizen documentation and nonprofit outlets more vital.
Citizen journalism and collective action
The filmmakers and Goodman stress the power of ordinary people filming events. They cite cell phone footage that exposed killings, including those of Alex Pretti, Renee Good and George Floyd. The message is that many can act as citizen journalists.
The film endorses a multi-pronged approach to activism. It urges protests, labor organizing, boycotts and voting. Directors say these tactics reinforce each other and help produce policy change.
Screenings, partnerships and audience guidance
Nearly 100 theaters have booked the film. Screenings will feature partnerships with civic and advocacy groups. Listed partners include the League of Women Voters, local news coalitions, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The film team provides resources on StealThisStory.org. They encourage audiences to support public and nonprofit media. They also suggest viewers connect with local groups to take concrete actions.
Notable initiatives mentioned
- Rebuild Local News coalition — campaigning to restore funding for local coverage.
- Jane Fonda’s revived Committee for the First Amendment — a coalition including over 500 entertainment figures, among them Billie Eilish.
Filmogaz.com spoke with Goodman and Lessin by Zoom about these themes. They urged local audiences, including those in S.F., to engage with the film and act afterward.
The screening run at the Roxie offers a chance to see the film in community settings. Audiences are encouraged to attend, discuss, and consider donations to independent media outlets.
