Lions Gate takes on Lennon documentary

TORONTO, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Toronto-based Lions Gate Films Thursday said it will produce "The U.S. vs. John Lennon," about the former Beatles' life as a peace activist.

The documentary is being written, directed and co-produced by David Leaf and John Scheinfeld of LSL Productions, Lions Gate said in a news release.

Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, is supporting the project, which will center on Lennon's life between 1966 and 1976 as he moved away from music and became an antiwar activist. A key element in the film will be U.S. government's efforts to silence Lennon, Lions Gate said.

Lions Gate said plans were to release the film in 2006 to mark the 30th anniversary of Lennon being granted "permanent residency" in the United States.