The CARA Appeals Board has decided to uphold the R rating for Michael Moore‘s “Where to Invade Next.”
Moore rejected the rating the MPAA assigned to the documentary for “language, some violent images, drug use and brief graphic nudity.” He represented the appellant Eleven Foot Pole, and Joan Graves, Chairman of CARA, represented the ratings board.
According to USA Today, Moore lashed out against the MPAA in November.
Also Read: Michael Moore Rejects R Rating for Political Documentary 'Where to Invade Next'
“I believe there is always a political underlying thing with the MPAA,” Moore said during a Q & A after the film screened at AFI Fest. “And we’re going to fight them hard this time.”
The rating will prevent teenagers from seeing the film without a parent or guardian present, which Moore deemed a problem.
“Teenagers are the most important audience for this film, and I want them to see it,” Moore said. “I’m really upset.”
Also Read: Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Gets Release Date
“Where to Invade Next” is a subversive comedy in which Moore, playing the role of “invader,” lands in one country after another to steal ideas and spirit them back to the U.S. The film was executive produced by Mark Shapiro, Will Staeger and Rod Birleson, and produced by Moore, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal.
It has been generating awards buzz since it premiered at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. It won the Founder’s Award and the Audience Choice Award at Chicago International Film Festival and the audience award at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
The film’s distributor, a new venture from former Radius-TWC heads Tom Quinn and Jason Janego with Alamo Drafthouse CEO Tim League, did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
