Yes, my information is that ARTE was definitely involved in financing this film. But at the screening here in Germany at the Human Rights Festival in Nuremberg, the projectionist had to read a statement that was issued by ARTE, that the company distances itself from the movie. No explanation was given...

"But what was realy new to me, was to see such an active involvement in democratic culture and values, something one might only dream about here in Germany."

Maybe my indictment of German politics sounds a bit harsh here, but I usually have the feeling as if this country doesn't have any active and significant political culture (in a way that it might actually change or influence society in a way that runs against everything that can be expected in todays' global imperialism). All the iumportant discussions are always reactions which come way too late, and are relating to economic or social issues that are already beyond repair or a fixed deal. As such most of the talk is for me highly hypocritical, as I can't possibly believe that the political leaders could be so dumb and ignorant (although they have plenty of both virtues) as to think their speeches carry any truth or influence. Mostly politics in Germany seem to be clearly avoiding any(!) important topics at all. Instead they use very cheap red herring tactics and talk about stuff that isn't important, or stuff that they are trying to make important out of personal, probably financial reasons (I'm thinking on lobbyists here). To make it clear, German politicians are for me some of the most despicable people imaginable, for which I share a worrying mixture of pity and contempt. 

What I saw in Wiseman's documentary were (sometimes highly) flawed individuals who nevertheless struggeld with democratic principles and attempted to put them into action. of course the system in which they have to operate is still far from ideal.

"I think [Moore is] an entertainer. I dont think hes interested in complexity. I dont see any particular filmmaking skills, and I think his point of view is extremely simplistic and self-serving."

That's one of the best statements I've heard about Moore and his films.

Me, too. And that's because the 217 minutes felt more like 117. The only other new film I could say the same about is Lady Chatterley.

You are dead right. 

While Wiseman is considered a master of cinma vrit, and rightfully so, he prefers the term "reality fiction." He's well-aware of his own process which conjures up an allegorical narrative about the subject and its condition.

"Cinma vrit" was a term I was very unhappy with in this context, but the only useful description that came to my mind. "Reality fiction" definitely sounds more appropriate as it also adresses the important issue that Wiseman is always cinematically reflecting about what he is doing. That is the main reason why I found his film as intelligent, engaging and original, as I did. Your description is very fitting, as "allegorical narrative" is imo a perfect term in this case.

What Mller has to say is (as could be expected) also spot-on.