Acorn and the Firestorm Poster

Acorn and the Firestorm 2017

★ 5.03 votes84 min📅 2017-04-23

"•REC"

Directed by Reuben Atlas, *Acorn and the Firestorm* (2017) dives into one of the most explosive political scandals of the late 2000s, uncovering the rapid fall of ACORN—a once-powerful community advocacy group—after a hidden-camera sting ignited national outrage.

Director: Reuben Atlas

Cast

Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Self (archive footage)
Andrew Breitbart
Andrew Breitbart
Self - Blogger (archive footage)
James O’Keefe
James O’Keefe
Self (archive footage)
Hannah Giles
Self
Bertha Lewis
Self - ACORN CEO
Darrell Issa
Darrell Issa
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acorn and the Firestorm (2017) about?

This documentary chronicles the dramatic downfall of ACORN, a progressive community organization, following a hidden-camera exposé that sparked widespread outrage and allegations of voter fraud. The film links ACORN's rise to Barack Obama's early political career and dissects how a single scandal led to its collapse amid fierce ideological battles.

Who directed Acorn and the Firestorm?

Reuben Atlas directed *Acorn and the Firestorm*, bringing a sharp, investigative lens to this politically charged story.

Who stars in Acorn and the Firestorm?

The documentary features appearances from Barack Obama, conservative media figures Andrew Breitbart and James O'Keefe, activist Hannah Giles, and ACORN leader Bertha Lewis.

Is Acorn and the Firestorm (2017) worth watching?

With its concise runtime and high-stakes political drama, *Acorn and the Firestorm* is a compelling watch for those interested in media ethics, activism, and the fragility of public trust. While it leans into partisan perspectives, its exploration of scandal and misinformation remains timely.

How long is Acorn and the Firestorm?

*Acorn and the Firestorm* runs for 84 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Acorn and the Firestorm (2017) — The Controversial Fall of ACORN Explored

Directed by Reuben Atlas, *Acorn and the Firestorm* (2017) dives into one of the most explosive political scandals of the late 2000s, uncovering the rapid fall of ACORN—a once-powerful community advocacy group—after a hidden-camera sting ignited national outrage. The film traces ACORN's rise alongside Barack Obama's ascent, only to watch its reputation crumble under accusations of voter fraud and controversial tactics. Packed with archival footage and sharp political commentary, it captures a pivotal moment where media manipulation and ideological divides reshaped public trust. The atmosphere crackles with tension as the lines between activism and scandal blur, making it a gripping watch for history buffs and political junkies alike.

At its core, *Acorn and the Firestorm* examines the explosive intersection of grassroots organizing and conservative media warfare, spotlighting figures like Andrew Breitbart and James O'Keefe whose tactics amplified the controversy. With a runtime of just 84 minutes, the documentary condenses years of controversy into a tight, thought-provoking narrative that questions the ethics of modern political activism and the power of viral media. It's a cautionary tale about how quickly reputations can unravel in the digital age.