Moral Kombat, a documentary about the game violence debate, was screened for the first time last night at the University of Southern California.

The film was produced and directed by filmmaker Spencer Halpin (shown at left during production) and was shown as part of USC's Business of Gaming conference.

GP had a chance to view the movie earlier this week and was quite impressed. Both sides of the issue are fairly represented.

Critics like Sen. Joe Lieberman, Dr. David Walsh of the National Institute on Media & Family, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and, of course, Jack Thompson get to have their say.

Industry types appearing in the film include former ESA boss Doug Lowenstein, game designer Lorne Lanning (Oddworld series), IGDA head Jason Della Rocca, EA founder Trip Hawkins and others.

Also featured are reporter Dean Takahashi of the San Jose Mercury-News (who has a very personal perspective - I won't give it away) and Prof. Henry Jenkins of MIT.

Anyone with an interest in the topic should enjoy the film. No news on distribution plans yet, but GP will keep you posted. 

FULL DISCLOSURE DEPT: Spencer Halpin is the brother of ECA president Hal Halpin. The ECA is the parent company of GamePolitics.