As reported by Ari Berman of THE NATION "An estimated 50,000 anti war protesters gathered in the morning for a big rally outside the state Capitol building. One such protestor, a documentary filmmaker named Marcus Washington, described his experience while lying on the ground in a serious amount of pain. I captured it on film. Cops in St. Paul were ready for the apocalypse, with downtown turning into a surreal scene from "Children of Men."
The producer and director for Sex-Pol Studios, Marcus Washington was in St.Paul MN, for the Republican National Convention. He was finishing the newest feature release, 'Fuc Obama'. 'Fuc Obama' is a sequel to their 3rd feature film 'Fuc Bush', which was showcased at the XFANZ Film Festival in 07' and the film was advertised in AVN's January 08 edition in the product spotlight. " 'Fuc Obama' is set to break the barrier between 'shock-jock' politics and hard core sex." Marcus comments.
While filming the protest, the director was able to breach the RNC's barriers and was detained by the secret service for over an hour. He was released for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The next day Marcus was embedded with radical anarchist "who had threatened to crash the convention, and whom wrecked havoc Monday in downtown St. Paul as the Republican National Convention opened, shattering windows, throwing rocks, slashing tires and blocking traffic. Signs spoke to every cause at the march: "9-11 was an inside job," "Bush lied, thousands died" and "I love my country but fear my government." "No justice, no peace, police off the streets," they shouted. "Tell me what a police state looks like. This is what a police state looks like." (pioneer press) "
"Marcus Washington, a freelance videographer wearing a "Media badge" "seems to have been sprayed in the face by a chemical irritant. When an ambulance arrived on the scene, he refused to go to the hospital. Marcus says he is a media member and was marching alongside the anarchist to document them." Niki Tundel with Minnesota public radio.
"I was nearing the first clash of the day. Myself and other members of the media were caught with a full blast of pepper spray. The blast was a direct hit, as my glasses were knocked from my face. When the crowd immediately dispersed backwards 10 yards or so, I edged forward with my camera and press pass in hand, trying to find my lense to my glasses. As recorded in my footage, I hear 'spray him' just as I was kneeling down to pick up my found lense. There was no one else around and the act was a pure assault."
After speaking with his attorney Marcus says " There are no scientific studies for the results of pepper spray used on a civilian who has not committed any crimes while; having a newly shaven head, with a fresh sun burn (from the protest) and with fresh tattoos. Some of my tattoos have developed an allergic reaction that seems to be increasing in pain and size".
Sex-Pol Studios has hired a local atty Jared Karns, to see if a lawsuit is justified in these matters. Other St.Paul anti-war attorneys are also gathering media who were attacked that day.
With all of the bad events comes a very entertaining and erotic feature film that has 5 sex scenes including a 4 girl POV. The studio's niche is a hybrid mix of radical documentaries and hard core sex scenes with never before seen local talent from across the east coast. The film is available now on VOD and on Sex-Pol Studios web site. Contact marcus@sex-pol.com or call toll free 1-800-604-1842