Satirist's next movie project unveiled

Michael Moore's next film will probe the relationship between the Bin Laden and Bush families.

The controversial satirst, whose anti-war speech was booed at this week's Oscar ceremony, has struck a deal with Mel Gibson's Icon Productions to make the documentary Fahrenheit 911.

It will state that the Bin Laden family made millions from its association with the first President Bush ­ dealings that made Osama despise George W.

They follow his claims in his book Stupid White Men that Bush's grandparents made the family fortune by trading with the Nazis via the Union Banking Corportation.

Moore told Hollywood trade bible Variety: "The primary thrust of the new film is what has happened to the country since September 11, and how the Bush administration used this tragic event to push its agenda. "

"It certainly does deal with the Bush and bin Laden ties. It asks a number of questions that I don't have the answers to yet, but which I intend to find out."

Fahrenheit 911 is expected to debut at next year's Cannes film festival, and be released before the US presidential elections that autumn.

Moore's deal with Icon is worth a reported $10million, following the success of his Oscar-winning Bowling for Columbine, which has taken around $40 million worldwide, though it only cost $3 million to make.

Published: 28 Mar 2003