In the U.S., the controversial comedy “The Interview” opened in some theaters and online. This came after a cyber-attack and threats to the U.S. over its release. Some cinemas organised midnight showings for those determined to see the movie on the big screen. Sony Pictures had originally pulled the film, about a fictional plot to kill Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-un. CCTV America’s Sean Callebs reported from Washington, D.C.

The on again – off again – film, about a fictional plot to assassinate Korean leader Kim Jong Un – is on again – this time for sure.

Sony, originally scrapped release of the 44-million film, after the company became the target of the largest cyber assault in U.S. history. The film apparently enraged the DPRK, and the United States blamed the cyber attack on Pyongyang.

Sony claimed it didn’t “cave” into a terrorist threat, but the studio pulled the film after many large theater chains in the U.S. said they would not run the picture, fearing attacks.

Josh Levin is the manager and co-founder of the West End Cinema in Washington, DC., which is an independent theater. He usually doesn’t show big budget Hollywood films, but he reached out to Sony for the opportunity to run this one.

“It is very important to me as a matter of principle. We simply cannot tolerate bullying and dictating the free exchange of ideas in this country,” Levin said.

West End is one of about 350 independent theaters showing “The Interview.” It can also be rented on YouTube and Google. Levin found out his 75-seat theater sold out quickly. Others who found it sold out scooped up the next available showing.

US moviegoers flock to midnight showings

U.S. moviegoers were flocking to independent theaters to see Sony’s controversial comedy “The Interview”, despite the FBI warnings and hacker threats. CCTV America’s Hallie Jackson attended a midnight showing.

This morning, a thank-you to fans from “The Interview” star Seth Rogen and his co-director, Evan Goldberg.

“We just really wanted to say thank-you. If it wasn’t for theaters like this and for people like you guys, this literally would not be “bleep” happening right now,” Rogen said.

The movie is playing in more than 200 independent theaters, but not the big chains, which wouldn’t screen the film after threats from the cyber attackers who hacked Sony.

President Obama, who called Sony’s move to shutter the film a mistake, had a different reaction to its debut while on vacation in Hawaii.

On Wednesday, the studio distributed the film for rental or purchase online on Google play, YouTube, microdot’s Xbox, and a dedicated website set up by Sony entertainment.

Some of the people who downloaded it posted pictures of themselves watching “the interview”.