Vaxxed

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Vaxxed
Vaxxed poster.png
Vaxxed film poster
Directed byAndrew Wakefield
Written byAndrew Wakefield
Del Bigtree
Produced byDel Bigtree
Distributed byCinema Libre Studio
Release date
  • April 1, 2016 (2016-04-01)
Running time
91 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe is a documentary produced by Del Bigtree that alleges the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) destroyed data from a 2004 study showing a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.[1] The film, directed and co-written by Andrew Wakefield, has been a subject of significant controversy and debate, with critics arguing it promotes anti-vaccination views, when the actual purpose is to promote vaccine safety and transparency so the public can make informed decisions.

Background and production

Produced by Del Bigtree, Vaxxed explores allegations that the CDC engaged in a cover-up of research findings linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Central to the film's narrative is Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a controversial figure whose previous research linking vaccines to autism led to the loss of his medical license. Wakefield asserts that his original findings have been vindicated, while critics argue that his work has been discredited.[1]

Bigtree, a former producer on the medical talk show "The Doctors" and Emmy Award winner, turned to documentary filmmaking after learning about claims of scientific fraud at the CDC from a senior scientist within the agency. The whistleblower, William Thompson, PhD, alleged that data linking the timing of the MMR vaccine to adverse outcomes in children had been omitted from the CDC's study.[2]

Release and Reception

Vaxxed premiered in New York City in April 2016, amid significant controversy. Originally set to debut in June, Cinema Libre rushed the film into theaters to counter what it described as media misrepresentation. Despite the film's claim of not being "anti-vaccine," critics and reviewers have taken issue with this assertion, arguing that it emboldens the anti-vaccination movement.[3]

Philippe Diaz, chairman of Cinema Libre, stated that the film's primary goal is to compel former CDC employee William Thompson to testify before Congress about the alleged cover-up. Diaz emphasized that the movie does not make definitive claims about what causes autism or the safety of vaccines but aims to question the timing of vaccine administration.[3]

Public and Critical Response

The film has been both praised and criticized. Supporters like Bigtree argue that it promotes the need for safer vaccinations and greater transparency from federal health agencies. The film aims to foster a dialogue about vaccine safety, rather than oppose vaccines outright.[4]

Critics, however, view Vaxxed as perpetuating discredited theories linking vaccines to autism. They argue that the film undermines public health efforts and contributes to vaccine hesitancy, which the World Health Organization lists as one of the top ten threats to global health.[5]

Controversy and Criticism

Robert De Niro, a co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, initially supported the screening due to his personal connection to the autism debate. However, after consultation with the scientific community, he agreed with the decision to withdraw the film, citing insufficient contribution to the discussion.[3]

Medical professionals and public health officials emphasize that vaccine hesitancy poses a significant threat to global health, reversing progress in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases. They argue that Vaxxed spreads fear and misinformation about vaccines, hindering efforts to increase vaccination coverage and protect public health.[5]

Despite this, Diaz reported positive audience reactions and robust debates following screenings. The film was scheduled to show at the Houston and Manhattan Film Festivals, with ongoing discussions for further festival inclusions. The decision by the Tribeca Film Festival to pull the film, attributed to sponsor pressure, remains a point of contention.[3]

Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe continues to be a polarizing film, praised by some for its critique of the CDC and pharmaceutical industry while condemned by others for promoting anti-vaccination rhetoric. The film’s impact on public discourse around vaccine safety and autism remains a contentious issue.

Sequel

In November 2019, Vaxxed II: The People's Truth, produced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was released in the US.[6] The core of the film is video of individuals telling their stories to those who drove the Vaxxed promotional bus across the US in 2016.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Mummolo, Burt (2016-06-08). "Autism film 'Vaxxed' now playing in Tulsa". KTUL. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  2. ^ "Censored: Del Bigtree". Full Measure. 2024-11-17. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  3. ^ a b c d Lang, Brent (2016-04-03). "Controversial Vaccine Documentary Debuts in NYC, Plots Theatrical Expansion". Variety. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  4. ^ Adams, Samantha (2016-06-07). "What is 'Vaxxed' really about?". Asbury Park Press NJ. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  5. ^ a b Pimlott, Nicholas (March 2019). "Vaccine hesitancy and the art of family medicine". Canadian Family Physician. 65 (3): 159. PMID 30867166. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
  6. ^ Lanzarotta, Tess (December 10, 2019). "How to beat anti-vaxxers at their own game". Washington Post.
  7. ^ Pilkington, Ed (2019-10-31). "Release of Vaxxed sequel prompts fears dangerous propaganda will spread again". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2019-11-03. Retrieved 2019-11-14.

External links

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