An Angus filmmaker’s documentary, which Donald Trump tried to block, is set for worldwide release in August.
After a four-year delay due to legal threats by the US president, Anthony Baxter of Montrose Pictures has revealed he has clinched a deal for the global rights to his production, You’ve Been Trumped Too.
The documentary was the follow up to You’ve Been Trumped, charting the effect the property magnate’s controversial relationship with the community on the Menie estate north of Aberdeen where he developed a luxury golf resort.
Mr Baxter said he hoped the deal with UK-based Journeyman Pictures will help You’ve Been Trumped Too reach as many viewers as possible ahead of Mr Trump’s second bid for the White House towards the end of the year.
You’ve Been Trumped Too will be released on a number of streaming platforms from August 18.
The film explores the confrontation between Trump and 96-year-old Molly Forbes, the Balmedie widow the billionaire businessman said reminded him of his own Scottish mother.
Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews, Mr Baxter saw the film’s exposure shut down indefinitely following legal threats from the Trump Organisation.
The filmmaker was originally arrested and jailed when he first discovered the water supply to Molly and her family had been cut off by workers involved in the construction of the golf course development
In You’ve Been Trumped Too, Mr Baxter says he was astounded to learn Molly and her son, Michael were still without a reliable water supply half a decade on.
The Trump Organisation previously said it had no interest in the film, but Mr Baxter said it threatened any cinema that showed it, leading to its US distributor pulling out and preventing a proper release.
After a screening in 2016, The Guardian’s film critic Peter Bradshaw wrote “there could hardly be a more urgent or relevant film than this”.
Journeyman Pictures managing director Mark Stucke said: “Given the times we are living in, this critically-acclaimed film is more powerful and relevant than ever, and Journeyman is proud to be bringing it to the world.”
Mr Baxter said: “You’ve Been Trumped Too is the film Donald Trump doesn’t want you to see.
“I believe the film’s release by Journeymen Pictures is an important landmark for freedom of speech, independent filmmaking, and, most importantly, the accountability of the rich and powerful.”
