New John Lennon documentary coming

Lions Gate Films and LSL Productions have begun pre-production on the documentary THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON. The film, which has the support and cooperation of Yoko Ono, covers the period 1966-1976 and tells the story of John Lennon’s transformation from beloved musical artist to anti-war activist to iconic inspiration for peace, and recounts the story of the U.S. Government’s efforts to silence him.

"The U.S. vs. John Lennon" will also show that this was not just an isolated episode in American history, but that the issues and struggles of that era remain relevant today. This documentary will be co-written, directed and produced by LSL Productions’ David Leaf and John Scheinfeld. Steve Ligerman will produce for LSL. Sandra Stern, Executive Vice President of Lions Gate Television, Beggs, Ortenberg, and Nick Meyer, President of Lions Gate International, will serve as executive producers.

Lions Gate Films will retain worldwide distribution rights to the project and plans to release the film theatrically in 2006, timed to the 30th anniversary of John Lennon being granted "Permanent Residency" in the U.S.