Eddie Huang Premieres ‘Vice Is Broke’ Documentary at Toronto Film Festival: ‘Their Lawyers Are Still Trying to Fight Us’

As a movie critic with a background in journalism and a keen interest in the complexities of media, I found Eddie Huang’s documentary “Vice Is Broke” to be a riveting exploration of Vice Media’s meteoric rise and fall.


On the opening night of the Toronto Film Festival on Thursday, Eddie Huang attended with a mix of criticism and admiration for Vice.

As a film critic, I recently attended the screening of Eddie Huang’s latest documentary, “Vice Is Broke,” which offers an intriguing blend of admiration and critique for the iconic media company Vice. This captivating piece serves as a tribute to Vice’s rebellious essence, embodying the spirit of the countless fearless, boundary-pushing journalists and filmmakers who have graced its ranks. However, it also sheds light on the troubling aspects that ultimately led to Vice’s filing for Chapter 11.

At the Q&A session post the premiere of our documentary at TIFF Lightbox Cinema, I shared that our legal team is still attempting to challenge us regarding this film. Regrettably, Shane Smith, the vibrant and contentious co-founder of Vice, known for his brash persona which attracted vast investments from industry giants like Disney and Discovery, declined my invitations for an interview. I made it plain that I don’t endorse his management approach or actions, especially after Vice declared bankruptcy and agreed to be purchased by Fortress Investment Group and a group of investors. As a movie enthusiast, this situation is far from satisfactory.

“Huang stated that he’s been given notice of potential lawsuits. Essentially, Shane is acting like a chicken, abandoning his pals and workmates without support.”

Huang declared that he personally invested $380,000 in producing a documentary that highlights Vice’s humble beginnings as a free magazine known for its explicit sex advice and daring photo sessions, along with its transformation into an international media entity reporting from hotspots around the world such as Sierra Leone and Liberia. However, he mentioned that Vice often focused on the conflicts and violence in these countries rather than showcasing their rich cultures and the wonderful people residing there.

“Huang expressed remorse about the fate of Vice, stating, ‘It’s truly unfortunate. That company was a unique platform where young artists could showcase their creative works.'”

Apart from Smith, Huang additionally investigates Gavin McInnes, a co-founder of Vice, and how he contributed to the development of the company’s rebellious image. Moreover, the study delves into instances where McInnes’ extreme right-wing ideologies infiltrated Vice’s content. After departing from Vice in 2008, McInnes founded the Proud Boys, a male-only, neo-fascist group. In the documentary, he agreed to be interviewed, primarily discussing free speech, but also making lewd comments and racist remarks.

“Huang stated that while someone may advocate for free speech or the right to bear arms, they must also consider the impact of absolute freedom and abstract ideas on causing harm to others. He questioned the point of one’s actions if they cause more pain than they alleviate or educate.”

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2024-09-06 04:16