SEIZED

"'Marion is its own little world. The politics are extremely local, but Marion is a microscope of what is going on, not only here in America but all over the world.' That observation, offered by a Marion County resident, becomes the thesis of Emmy-winning documentarian Sharon Liese’s latest documentary feature, Seized—a film that profoundly understands how flyover country is often the canary in the coal mine."
- IDA Documentary Magazine

"Seized does an amazing job of explaining the very intricate small-town drama and grudges that led to this raid on a local newspaper."
- MovieMaker Magazine

"...makes a perfect First Amendment argument."
- The Hollywood Reporter

"Captivating documentary goes inside a shocking newspaper raid... the story of the Marion County Record and the forces that tried to destroy it is expanded for a charming, and concerning, look at freedom of the press"
- The Guardian

"Seized is a poignant reminder that in times when fear and manipulation are used to keep us silent, it is important that journalists continue to speak truth power."
- POV Magazine

"Terrific newspaper doc understands the power of a great story well told... Not just a tribute to the power of journalism and the persistence of civil determination, but also a masterclass in storytelling structure."
- The Wrap

"'Seized' is carefully even-handed, and everyone is treated with full fairness; in a departure from so many contemporary documentaries, this one genuinely wants us to make up our own minds. Nevertheless, there is an undeniable message here: an unyielding barricade has the ability to hold even considerable corruption at bay."
- The Wrap

"In Seized, the jaunty new documentary from director Sharon Liese (Transhood), we dive into the why and the how of this attack on a free press, with comic brio and moving sentiment joined at the cinematic hip."
- Film Festival Today

"Sharon Liese’s ‘Seized’ captures the breakdown of free press in a rural Kansas town, when a personally-motivated police chief decides to interrupt their operations. A poignant examination of how the First Amendment can be trampled – and how to fight back."
- Silver Screen Riot

"A riveting look at the power of the press and standing up to bullies, as well as a hilariously bitchy tale about the characters you might find in small towns... gives viewers a clear look at the often unglamorous parts of journalism."
- Next Best Picture

"Fascinating, taking the atmosphere of a small town’s controversy to an unexpected level."
- The Playlist

"Sharon Liese’s enormously entertaining and insightful documentary about the raid’s aftermath, isn’t just about one day for the Record or the reach it can have, but the commitment to cover a community on a daily basis that remains and honorable and highly imperiled calling."
- Moveable Feast

"A love letter to small town newspapers... Marion was just a flashpoint in a wider struggle for freedom of the press... There is immense value in telling stories that show the trials and tribulations of the press, especially in areas outside of urban centers like New York or Washington, D.C., that shape too much of our collective understanding of journalism."
- The Dissenter

"Ultimately, the film explores the abuse of power, and its impacts on a rural community. And now, a few years later, it’s even more relevant."
- The Park Record

"Viewers watch as the events unfold “in real time,” using body-cam and surveillance footage paired with interviews featuring a unique cast of characters who help bring humor and nuance to the documentary."
- The Park Record