However, CAIR-LA representatives said the action on part of the theater only infused more energy into the event and attracted more patrons and support for the cause. CAIR-LA is also considering legal action against Starplex Cinemas for damages and lost revenue.

"I don’t call them anti-Muslim," said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR-LA, in reference to individuals protesting the documentary screening. "I call them anti-American."

The screening was successful, CAIR-LA said, drawing a crowd over 250, which included a rap artist, a music producer and civil rights activists from around the nation.

The Woodbridge 5 Theater in Irvine, one of several theaters under Starplex Cinemas that was the original venue for the event, cancelled the contract three days prior to the screening. A theater official’s post on Red County Weblog stated:

"Starplex Cinemas has no ties or relations with the organization that rented the theater to do a film screening. The intent and content of the film was not disclosed. We have not political affilication and have canceled the screening. We thank the community for brining this to our attention. For any questions or comments, please contract [sic] Kristen Wheaton at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it "

Jonathon Constantine, a radical Islamophobic blogger, falsely claimed on the Red County Weblog, that the event would supposedly support a terrorist.

Additionally, unidentified individuals were spotted filming and taking pictures from a distance, although all attendees were told cameras were not allowed.

"Fringe right-wing groups don’t like me and you having legitimate political views," Ayloush said to the attendees. He further thanked University Town Center 6, owned by Edwards Cinemas, for prompt service and attention to details.

The documentary is an intimate family portrait of the Al-Arian family as they seek justice for Dr. Sami Al-Arian who continues to be unfairly incarcerated and mistreated by the government despite a jury not finding him guilty on any of the 17 terrorism charges in 2005.

The screening was sponsored by CAIR-LA, as well as the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, the Islamic Center of Irvine, the Muslim Student Union at UC Irvine, MSA West, the Orange County Islamic Foundation, Palestinian American Society, and Visual-Sound.