FilmBuffOnline has published an article by Rich Drees reporting on Roy Disney’s attendance of the 16th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival in April. There he accepted an Inspiration Award, and spoke about releasing Song of the South:
- “I’ve got a bunch of cohorts working with me to convince the powers that be that it’s the smart thing to do…. [Song of the South] is a wonderful film that deserves to be back out in the public. All it needs is context. Some of that animation is stunning, even by today’s standards.”
It has long been known that Roy Disney has supported this film’s release. I contacted Mr. Disney back in February 2004 after he had resigned from Disney’s Board of Directors. In his reply to me, he stated:
- “Dear Mr. Willis — thanks for your letter of support, and I am sorry to tell you that this is yet another reason to do our best to move Eisner out. He has been — for quite a few years now — totally against (I think AFRAID is a better word) of re-releasing Song of the South, which happens to be one of my favorite of the old Disney films. A number of us have tried, for some time, to change his mind, to no avail.”
Thanks to everyone who reported this new article!