Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition to stop the production of a “whitewashed” movie about the 2019 Christchurch massacre titled, ‘They Are Us’.
The movie was announced by the Hollywood Reporter on Friday, and described as an “inspirational story about the young leader’s response to the tragic events”.
The petition was started by The National Islamic Youth Association. It argues the movie, which will follow Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s response to the massacre, “side-lines the victims and survivors.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arder and Imam Gamal Fouda prepare to unveil a memorial plaque in memory of the victims on 24 September 2020. Source: AAP
As of Monday afternoon, over 60,000 people had signed the petition, calling on FilmNation Entertainment and CAA Media Finance to cease involvement with the film.
The petition claims the film is problematic as it centres on white voices and will be directed and written by New Zealander, Andrew Niccol, “who has not experienced racism or Islamaphobia.”
It also urges Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to strongly denounce the film and make it clear that the New Zealand Government will not provide any support to enable it to go ahead.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ms Ardern will be played by Australian actress Rose Byrne.
Ms Ardern was quick to clarify that she “had nothing to do with the film in any form” and had not been consulted by the US company, FilmNation.
"While it's for the community to speak for themselves, it's my view 15 March remains very raw for New Zealand,” Ms Arden told NZ website Stuff.
"There are plenty of stories from 15 March that could be told, but I don't consider mine to be one of them."
A vigil to commemorate the victims of a March 15 shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. Source: The Conversation
Fifty-one Muslims were murdered by an Australian-born white supremacist who opened fire on two mosques in 2019.
The Hollywood Reporter claims the film’s script “was developed in consultation with several members of the mosques affected by the tragedy”.
However, several prominent members of the NZ Muslim community have come forward and stated they had not been properly consulted on the film.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern unveils a plaque at the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch on 24 September 2020. Source: AAP
Aya Al-Umari, whose brother Hussein was killed in the attacks, that she learnt about the film on Twitter.
”I was surprised, to be honest,” she said.
"Without knowing the context of the movie I'm not sure I can put a positive spin to it. It seems like it’s just capitalising on what happened here, and I don’t think it will be well received in New Zealand.”
Tony Green, a member of the An-Nur mosque, also told the paper he was unaware of any consultation with the community.
“If you were serious about a movie which was about possibly New Zealand’s worst event domestically, you’d want to know this was grounded in fairly wide, decent coverage of those who were affected, and at first glance, we’ve all been blindsided by this.”
The petition comes as New Zealand producer, Philippa Campbell announced that she was resigning from the proposed production.
“I’ve listened to the concerns raised over recent days and I have heard the strength of people’s views,” she said in a.
“I now agree that the events of March 15, 2019, are too raw for the film at this time and do not wish to be involved with a project that is causing such distress.”
The Feed has contacted FilmNation for comment.
