MIDDLEBURY — The film “Denial” will be screened twice at Middlebury’s Marquis Theater on Wednesday, May 3, with discussions after both showings.
“Denial” is a film about Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust historian, and her dramatic legal battle against Holocaust denier David Irving, who sued her for libel. The film raises questions of free speech and fake news. Is the doctrine of “Equal Time” appropriate for all viewpoints? Where do we draw the line? Who gets to draw the line? What are the consequences?
Irving feels personally attacked for his opinions and his supporters accuse Lipstadt of being against freedom of speech.  She answers these attacks in court.  At a press conference she says, “The freedom of speech means you can say whatever you want. But what you can’t do is lie and expect not be accountable for it … Not all opinions are equal.” 
There will be two showings — 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Each showing will be followed by a discussion moderated by Professor Rebecca Ayako Bennette,?director of Jewish Studies and Associate Professor of History (German) at Middlebury College. The suggested donation of $10 will go toward the Open Door Clinic.
“Denial” is presented by “Huddlebury,” one of Middlebury’s “Huddles” that meets biweekly to discuss the daily impact of national policies and everyone’s role in advocating for social and economic justice.