Very raw : New Zealand s Arden pans movie about Christchurch mosque attacks
Mon, Jun 14, 2021
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern wears a concerned expression on her face. Photo: AFP/ File
WELLINGTON: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday criticised a film planned about the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, saying that it s not the right time to make such a movie and that it focussed on the wrong subject.
The US-backed film They Are Us has sparked an intense backlash among New Zealand Muslims, with community leaders slamming the project for pushing a white saviour narrative.
Ardern said the attacks when a white supremacist gunman ran amok at two mosques during Friday prayers, killing 51 and seriously injuring another 40 remained very raw for many New Zealanders.
New Zealand s PM Jacinda Ardern criticises mosque attacks film amid backlash
By
Ardern had won widespread praise for her empathetic and inclusive handling of the attacks.
She said filmmakers had not consulted her about the movie, which is set to star Australia s Rose Byrne as the centre-left leader. In my view, which is a personal view, it feels very soon and very raw for New Zealand, Ardern told TVNZ.
WELLINGTON: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday panned a movie filmmakers are thinking about making about her response to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks as poorly timed and focussed on the wrong subject.
Thousands sign petition against whitewashed Christchurch movie sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.