December 23, 2014 – Sony Pictures has announced that it will screen The Interview in selected cinemas in the United States on Thursday, December 25, which is Christmas day.
In a statement, the White House applauded the move.
“The president applauds Sony’s decision to authorize screenings of the film. As the President made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theaters allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome” the statement said.
The film which is a comedy on plot to assassinate President of North Korea, Kim Jong-un caused public uproar between North Korea and the US. Screening of the film was cancelled following a major cyber-attack on Sony and threats against US citizens.
Tim League, founder of the Alamo Drafthouse cinema in Austin tweeted that “Sony has authorized screenings of THE INTERVIEW on Christmas Day. We are making shows available within the hour,” he said.
Two cinemas in Atlanta and Austin have already indicated interest to screen the film on Christmas. Director of the film, Seth Rogen, also tweeted that the people have spoken!” Freedom has prevailed! Sony didn’t give up!”
The hacker had warned that they want everything related to the movie, including its trailers, as well as its full version down from any website hosting them immediately.
On Tuesday, internet service was down in North Korea in the early hours until later in the afternoon.
So far the US has blamed North Korea for the Sony hack, which has led to leakage of sensitive data.
President Obama had described the development as censorship by dictator.
“We cannot have a society in which some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship here in the United States,” he said.
