"OK, not a bad accomplishment, but that's it. That's it, Mr. Obama. One hundred years from now: 'He was the first black American that got elected president.' And that's it. Eight years of your life and that's what people are going to remember. Boy, I got a feeling, knowing you, that - you'd probably wish you were remembered for a few other things, a few other things you could've done.

Barack Obama has left many liberals in the US feeling disappointed, and documentary maker Michael Moore is among them. Credit:AFP

"So, it is, on that level, a big disappointment."

It is 25 years since the controversial film-maker launched his career with the release of Roger & Me, about the then boss of GM, Roger Smith. The film, with Moore's trademark mixture of comedy and acerbic commentary, is receiving a special anniversary screening at Toronto.

In a keynote speech to the festival, Moore also accused fellow documentary makers of losing their sense of humour and serving up dour fare to cinema-goers.