Facebook has decided not to allow ads for a new film about Ronald Reagan, despite the movie not being political, according to the producers. The film, titled “Reagan,” stars Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, and Mena Suvari, and is set to be released on August 30.
The producers of the film, Rawhide Pictures, have asked Facebook’s parent company, Meta, to let them advertise the movie on the platform. A letter from Rawhide Pictures shows they requested Facebook to allow them to post and advertise the film.
This is not the first time the film’s promotions have been blocked. Two weeks ago, a Facebook spokesperson said the blocks were mistakenly applied and there were no actual restrictions on the movie’s Facebook page. However, the film’s marketing director, Eric McClellan, said he hasn’t received any response from Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
McClellan said Facebook has repeatedly blocked their posts and ads, claiming they violate community guidelines because they deal with social issues. Facebook even suggested that the film’s content might influence public opinion or election outcomes.
But McClellan argues that the movie is about Reagan’s life, not politics, and includes positive quotes from him. He’s puzzled about why Facebook is treating it this way.
Social media, including Facebook and Instagram, is crucial for promoting movies. McClellan says not being able to use these platforms is severely affecting their ability to reach audiences and promote the film.