Seized

United States202694 minEnglish

When the small town of Marion, Kansas, is thrust into the international spotlight after a police raid on the Marion County Record and the death of its 98-year-old co-owner, a fierce debate ignites about the abuse of power, journalistic ethics, local journalism, and the United States Constitution.

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In politically turbulent times, existential tumult can coalesce into an overwhelming storm. Like lightning in a bottle, director Sharon Liese (Parker, 2023 Sundance Film Festival) captures the story of the Marion County Record raid, a perfectly illustrative microcosm of the moment. The specificity of this story, its lively and distinctive players, and its weighty ethical and democratic consequences make not only for a gripping watch, but an orienting, sobering, grounding experience amidst an onslaught of state overreach, press suppression, and threats to journalism as we know it. Diligent storytelling, kaleidoscopic perspectives, rich context, and generosity in allowing its audience to reach their own conclusions make Seized an excellent antidote to the threats it so potently captures. Liese returns to the Sundance Film Festival with this crucial contribution to journalistic discourse. — AC

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).

U.S. Documentary CompetitionAll FeaturesNonfictionClosed CaptionOpen CaptionU.S. Only- less

Credits

Director(s)
Sharon Liese
Producer
Sharon Liese
Sasha Alpert
Paul Matyasovsky
Editor
Derek Boonstra
Director of Photography
Jackson Montemayor
Associate Producer
Alexandra Siambekos
Executive Producers
George R. Hearst III
Jonathan Logan
Megan Gelstein
Debbie L. McLeod
Jonathan Murray
Harvey Reese
Ruth Ann Harnisch
Ann Baum
Steven Rosenthal
Trudy Jacobson
Jenny Raskin
Co-Executive Producers
Jon Niccum
Margaret Munzer Loeb
Barbara Dobkin
Eric Dobkin
Marni E. J. Grossman
Field Producer
Amber Sammet
Additional Cinematography
Yamit Shimonovitz
DIT/Colorist
Cory Cullen

Contact
Sharon Liese
sharon@herizonproductions.com
8165916306

Meet the Artist

Sharon Liese

Sharon Liese is an Emmy Award–winning director who is passionate about telling stories that move people. Her work includes the HBO documentary feature Transhood and the acclaimed short films The Flagmakers, The Gnomist, and Parker, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

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