- Title: Film makers behind 'Clinton Cash' screen their explosive documentary in Cannes
- Date: 17th May 2016
- Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (FILE) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** (SOUNDBITE) (English) DONALD TRUMP, REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, SAYING: "I am officially running for President of the United States and we are going to make our country great again." TRUMP POSING FOR PHOTOS WITH HIS WIFE, CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TRUMP AT PODIUM
- Embargoed: 1st June 2016 20:11
- Keywords: Clinton Trump Cannes Film
- Location: Cannes, France
- City: Cannes, France
- Country: France
- Topics: Film
- Reuters ID: LVA0074I758BP
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Months away from the U.S. presidential election, a new documentary - "Clinton Cash" - premiered at the Cannes film festival on Monday (May 16). The documentary is based on the Peter Schweizer book which takes a critical look at her family's finances.
"My hope for the film is that people will see it and it will get them to not only see the Clintons in a different way but when it comes to politics in general yes policies important, personality is important but follow the money, always follow the money."
When the book was published in 2015, Hillary Clinton dismissed the book on her family's finances, saying that being "subject to all kinds of distractions and attacks" was an expected part of her running for president.
The book, by conservative author Peter Schweizer, suggests that Clinton, while serving as secretary of state, did favors for foreign governments and businesses that gave speaking fees to her husband, former President Bill Clinton, or money to her family's charities. Similar accusations have been raised often over the years by Clinton's political opponents and some media reports.
Writer and producer, Stephen K Bannon, says he particularly wants left-leaning people to watch the film.
"I want as many progressives to see this as possible because I think we have to understand how the Clintons, who proclaim to support all your values, essentially have sold you out for money."
Hillary Clinton was under pressure to do well in Democratic nominating contests in Kentucky and Oregon on Tuesday (May 17). When asked what he thought of Clinton running for the Democratic nomination, Bannon said there was one issue that he was surprised her opponents hadn't questioned her on.
"The American general public they don't argue about her competence, they don't argue about her toughness, they don't argue about how smart she is. The big concern they have is how trustworthy she is."
If Clinton wins the Democratic nomination, she will most likely come up against Donald Trump, who is all but certain to be the Republican nominee. Schweitzer has been surprised by Trump's political rise.
"I was one of those people early on who just thought Trump is not going to go anywhere, that people wanted someone with political experience. I think what's interesting with Trump and with Bernie Sanders is both of these men have convinced a large portion of the American people that they can't be bought."
Clinton Cash is being shown in Cannes with the hopes of picking up distribution rights. Schweizer says he's enjoying the whole experience.
"Oh it's fantastic and exciting. It's kind of like a dream came true for me. You know I've written books and spent time in front of your word processor you know with musty books around you, and to sort of be here with the excitement and glamour and the crowds it's really a lot of fun." - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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