Passion, Fahrenheit and Brando's death cultural milestones

The crusading films The Passion of The Christ and Fahrenheit 9/11 and the death of Marlon Brando were among the most significant cultural milestones of 2004, says a top US film body.

The American Film Institute (AFI) listed the events on its AFI Moments of Significance, a list of nine phenomena that changed the American cultural landscape in 2004.

Also on the list was the new-found role of the US broadcasting regulator, the Federal Communications Commission, after its indecency crackdown sparked by the exposure of Janet Jackson's breast on national television.

The AFI said it listed Mel Gibson's religious epic The Passion and Michael Moore's politically charged Fahrenheit because they transcended the art form, catalysing a national debate on theology and politics.

"Both film-makers tossed Hollywood convention out the window, attracting masses to the movies that would normally not purchase a ticket to an ultraviolent subtitled film or a documentary."