Supposing Sony, instead of giving in to intimidation and exercising self-censorship, announced it would now make the film available for free to any streaming or distribution system that would make it available to the public without any cost (perhaps acknowledging that it could not guarantee security for a traditional movie-house release). I understand that there is already one online suggestion of Sony using its own streaming platform (mention free pricing possibility).

This would sent out an unbelievably strong message that those who seek to intimidate will only guarantee maximum exposure of that which they wished to suppress.  The film would have a massive audience and overwhelming publicity and momentum, no matter its merits.  It might shame reluctant platforms into following suit.

Sony could also encourage those who see the film to contribute their ticket savings to a fund for democracy, and could start the fund off with its own donation.

It has already been suggested that the film could be screened at the White House — maybe a launching pad for this distribution.

Sony could also say that yes, it might be hurt by future data dumps from the hack, but that is a risk that all have to take.  Transparency and standing up to bullying are more important.  (Almost) all would rally around Sony.

Obviously I do not know the contract arrangements for payment for those who worked on the film, but surely they would be no worse off than they are now — and Sony could really reap the moral  high ground by offering to compensate those who lost — and were not willing to waive their losses as their contribution to this movement.

How much better if Sony had taken this approach from day one.  Its leaders were asleep at the switch, and Sony has not yet been well served by its PR folks (they have now brought in a person who helped HW Bush and Monica Lewinsky).