For Immediate Release INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER ARRESTED On the morning of September 9th, 2003, independent filmmaker John Fucile was arrested on Broadway in New York City for selling DVDs of his award-winning films, "Beat the Blue" and "Zero". His materials were confiscated; John was handcuffed, placed in a police van, fingerprinted, photographed, delaced, debelted and detained for more than nine hours in the NYPD's 6th Precinct in Greenwich Village. Ordered to appear before The Criminal Court of The City of New York on October 7th, 2003, to answer the charge of "Vending Without a License," this incident raises issues and calls for answers to questions that may be of interest to your readers/viewers, particularly on the themes of First Amendment/Freedom of Speech, Independent Film, Arts, Media, Law and Technology. John Fucile is an award-winning filmmaker, music video director, writer and media theorist. He has lived and worked in Toronto, Los Angeles and New York City. He is holds a BFA in Film from Ryerson University and recently completed his Masters Degree in Media Studies at New School University. He resides in Brooklyn. John is available for interview, story, comment, or profile by contacting 917-446-7399 or mail@smackdabmedia.com - 30 -