One of the presidential candidates is threatening legal action over the release of a highly anticipated film.

As the heated presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris intensifies, it extends beyond political rallies and debates into the realm of cinema. Both candidates will have films released in theaters this October, mere weeks before the 2024 presidential election, adding a dramatic twist to the campaign season.

**Harris Documentary Announced:**

A new documentary short film titled “Kamala” delves into the life and career of Vice President Kamala Harris. This film aims to go beyond her political achievements, highlighting her humanity and her role as a “joyous warrior” fighting for the welfare of all. Filmmaker Gerard Pizarro, who co-directed the film, emphasized the importance of showcasing Harris’s personal and professional journey.

Scheduled for an October release, the exact date remains under wraps, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Pizarro, a relatively new filmmaker, expressed his honor in telling the story of Harris, a trailblazer who has broken numerous barriers as a Black and Indian woman.

Co-directed by Pizarro and Samir Zakir, “Kamala” employs animation and interviews with various entertainers, family members, politicians, and close friends of Harris to paint a comprehensive picture of her life. Produced by Illumin8 Entertainment and Pizarro Creative, the documentary will be distributed by Bada Bing Pictures. The number of theaters set to showcase the film is still unknown. Notably, CNN analyst Bakari Sellers joins Zakir and Pizarro as one of the producers.

In addition to its theatrical release, “Kamala” will be available for streaming on SVOD and PVOD platforms before the 2024 election on November 5, providing wider access to viewers.

**Donald Trump Film Coming:**

While Harris’s camp likely views her documentary positively, former President Donald Trump is less than pleased with the depiction of his life in the upcoming film “The Apprentice.” Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May to an eight-minute standing ovation, the film is set for an official release on October 18.

Starring Sebastian Stan as a young Trump and Jeremy Strong as lawyer and fixer Roy Cohn, “The Apprentice” explores Trump’s rise to power through his relationship with Cohn during the 1970s and 1980s. The film’s synopsis describes it as charting Trump’s ascent through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer.

However, “The Apprentice” has faced criticism for its portrayal of Trump, including scenes depicting racial discrimination in real estate, drug use for weight loss, surgery for baldness, and an alleged rape of his former wife Ivana Trump. Trump’s team has threatened legal action and disputed the accuracy of several scenes.

Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung condemned the film, calling it “pure malicious defamation” unworthy of release. He went so far as to say it belongs in a dumpster fire rather than a bargain bin at a discount movie store.

Director Ali Abbasi responded to the criticism and potential lawsuit by asserting that there is no metaphorical way to address fascism. Abbasi believes it’s time to make movies relevant and political again. He added that Trump might be surprised by the film’s portrayal, suggesting it might not be entirely unfavorable from Trump’s perspective.

Following its positive reception at Cannes, with an eight-minute standing ovation, there are reports that “The Apprentice” could generate significant buzz leading up to the 2024 election. Abbasi previously hinted at a promotional event coinciding with the U.S. election season, mentioning that a debate in mid-September could serve as a strategic release date.

The rights for “The Apprentice” were acquired by Briarcliff, setting the stage for a potentially award-winning release during the crucial awards season window.

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