Michael Moore’s latest film, Slacker Uprising, will be made available for free download on the internet for a period of three weeks beginning September 23. The film documents Moore’s attempts at rallying young voters during the 2004 Election. The film was never intended to be released for theaters despite the commercial success of Moore’s previous documentaries, Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Bowling for Columbine (not to mention the fact that Slacker Uprising itself cost about $2 million to make). According to Moore:

This is being done entirely as a gift to my fans. The only return any of us are hoping for is the largest turnout of young voters ever at the polls in November. I think Slacker Uprising will inspire (millions) to get off the couch and give voting a chance.

The download will be made available on BlipTV. After three weeks, a DVD of the film will be made available on Amazon and Netflix.

It’s interesting to see Moore experimenting with a new business model, although obviously the intention here is not to make money but to propagate a political message. Something that does pique my curiosity is how much potential Moore’s films actually have to change minds: Despite being massively successful at the box office, Fahrenheit 9/11’s explicit goal to unseat a president ended in a wash. Will this film achieve its purpose of getting the younger generation out to the voting booth? Judging by the film’s trailer, it’s not going to win over any conservatives, but who knows? Distributing the film for free on the internet might give it an edge it wouldn’t otherwise have.

via CNet