"Freeway: Crack in the System" A New Feature Documentary By Award-Winning Filmmaker Marc Levin Reveals The Real Story Of Crack In America And The CIA

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning filmmaker Marc Levin's (SLAM, Mr. Untouchable, Brick City) new documentary, "FREEWAY: CRACK IN THE SYSTEM" will be released on October 17, 2014 in select theaters.  The first look of the trailer provides a sneak preview of the film's original title track by Snoop Dogg and Too $hort.  Produced by Al Jazeera America in association with Blowback Productions and Royal Interactive Studios, the film will be distributed by Novus Content.

FREEWAY: CRACK IN THE SYSTEM tells the story of broken dreams, drug dealers, dirty cops, and government complicity—more compelling than fiction, it's the real story behind America's longest war. This documentary by award-winning filmmaker Marc Levin (SLAM, Mr. Untouchable, Brick City) exposes how the infiltration of crack cocaine destroyed inner-city neighborhoods across the country.  At the center of it all is the rise, fall and redemption of Freeway Rick Ross, a street hustler who became the King of Crack and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Gary Webb, who broke the story of the CIA's complicity in the drug war; whose story is featured in the upcoming Focus Features film, Kill the Messenger, starring Jeremy Renner.  Featuring exclusive interviews with Freeway Rick Ross, not to be confused with the rapper who stole his name; Webb's source Coral Baca, and wife Susan Webb; former Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff Roberto Juarez; drug trafficker Julio Zavala and many more. 

Producer, director and writer Marc Levin's history covering the drug war goes back to the Iran-Contra hearings with Bill Moyers, for "The Secret Government," which garnered him an Emmy, to meeting Gary Webb through "C.I.A: America's Secret Warriors," which won a duPont-Columbia  award, to tracking down heroin kingpin Nicky Barnes in "Mr. Untouchable," to his HBO films "Gang War: Bangin' In Little Rock," "Prisoners of the War on Drugs" and "Thug Life in DC," among others.  On making the film, Levin says, "This is personal.  I was there at the Iran Contra hearings where I first heard the accusation that the CIA stood for Crack in America. I knew Gary Webb.  I met Rick Ross when he was in prison for life. This is the real story of the crack era and the blowback we've lived with for over 30 years."  

Social Media:
Freeway: Crack in the System can be found online at www.freewaythemovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freewaymovie
Twitter & Instagram: @freewaythemovie
#crackinthesystem

About Al Jazeera America 
Al Jazeera America is the U.S. news channel that provides both domestic and international news for American audiences. It is headquartered in New York City with bureaus in 12 cities around the U.S. and access to more than 70 Al Jazeera   Media Network bureaus around the world.  Visit Al Jazeera America online at www.aljazeera.com for the latest updates. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aljazeeramerica. Follow us on Twitter  @AJAM www.twitter.com/ajam and join the conversation using #AlJazeeraAmerica.

About Novus Content
Novus Content is a film marketing and distribution company based in Los Angeles, CA.  The company's mission is to implement strategic, multi-platform campaigns, providing alternative solutions for domestic and international distribution.  Visit online at http://www.novuscontent.la and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/novuscontent

About Blowback Productions
Blowback Productions was created by Marc Levin in 1998.  He and his producing partner, Daphne Pinkerson have made over 20 films which have won Emmys, Duponts, Cable Aces and numbers other awards and accolades.  They have told powerful, real stories in a unique, authentic style.  Visit online at www.blowbackproductions.com

Royal Interactive Studios
Royal Interactive Studios is a web content, film, television, commercial and music video production company based in Los Angeles.  Visit online at: www.royalstudiosla.com

SOURCE Novus Content