Today, I’m gonna share my opinion on a sensitive subject here, from our amazing neighbouring country, New Zealand. I might be in trouble, lord have mercy.
Topic: “The Christchurch Massacre Petition Against Film Production”the project is on hold at the moment.
{Christchurch Mosque Remembrance} my thoughts are always with them, Because I understand.
Just hear me out please;
I love films, I even tried before to download online movies illegally “piracy” way. But jokes aside.
The Christchurch Massacre refers to the mosque shootings that were a terroristic attack on worshippers in two separate mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. These events occurred on March 15th 2019, causing the death of 51 people. As it has done before with previous attacks worldwide. Hollywood decided to develop a film that most thought would cover the shooting and motive behind it, calling it “They Are Us.”
However, the planned film has since received backlash from thousands of petitioners “and still ongoing” claiming the film is a whitewash and doesn’t accurately portray the details of such a tragic day.
The main points that are typically included in a petition, that there are many surviving family members of the Christchurch massacre victims who are still suffering mentally. The petition started when some community members in New Zealand reviewed the leaked script and realised it didn’t touch on racism against Muslims or the white supremacy that led to this event.
As of July 23, 2021, more than 70,000 people have signed the petition to try end/reconsider their decisions of “They Are Us” (ask to change it into a documentary “persuade with permission” from the Christchurch Muslim family victims community!).
First reports of the film in production claimed it was a light movie designed to show how the prime minister handled the situation following the attacks and moving forward from it. However, family members were left reeling at the thought of a whitewashed movie getting released, while failing to tell the whole story resolve of what those victims experienced during such a tragic time. They were left wondering why the film’s producers would feel the need to only focus on the white Prime Minister rather than the individuals targeted in these attacks.
Before understanding the reasoning behind the petition, it’s essential to understand the horrific events that unfolded on that pivotal day. On the day of the massacre, a white supremacist “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” (It’s/as in silent protest) stormed into mosques and began firing during prayer. A total of 51 people lost their lives that day, and an additional of 40 people sustained severe injuries. In addition, many victims traumatised from mental health issues caused by everything that unfolded in front of them. The 28-year-old perpetrator live-streamed “on purpose” the first act of violence on Facebook while at the mosque, to display his inhumane actions for the world to see. Sadly, he continued to film while traveling to the second mosque, where he shot at even more people. (film to film)
While New Zealand is a place that most people consider safe, these events shook up an entire community, leaving residents fearful of what else was to come. Many Muslims felt it was no longer safe to go to the mosque. On that horrific day in history. “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” chose violence. He walked into these places of worship with intent and started shooting at anyone and everyone without caring about any consequences. He completed these attacks on two different mosques within minutes of each other, leaving hundreds of families left grieving over the loss of their loved ones. Naeem Rashid, one of the worshippers at the mosque, attempted to fight back and lost his life in the process. His heroic acts were not forgotten.
In the aftermath of the Christchurch Massacre, families were reeling and wondering if their loved ones were among the injured or deceased. Political leaders had much to say about the terrorist attacks planned out by a white supremacist. The Prime Minister, Ms Jacinda Ardern, claimed this was one of the darkest days in New Zealand. Although initial reports claim multiple shooters were involved. But “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” was the only one arrested and charged with murder. Police believe “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” acted alone.
The petition states that the movie doesn’t fairly depict the events that occurred that day. Film producers continued to work on the script and details of the film without getting permission from the NZ community. The community members of New Zealand, including relatives of the deceased victims and injured victims, feel that the script leak proves the film sidelines the victims and focuses solely on what the Prime Minister, a white woman “savior”, did in the aftermath of the massacre.
The victims involved in the massacre were not white, and many came from different countries around the world, including Syria, India, Pakistan, and Egypt. Focusing solely on a white woman and her reaction to a tragic event fails to educate the public on white supremacy and its toll on victims and their loved ones. Rather than highlighting heroic events from victim’s perspective, such as Naeem Rashid, who attempted to stop “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” from harming anyone else. The film leaves that information out.
In addition, producers selected the awesome actress Rose as Prime Minister for the film. The actress is a white woman from Balmain, Australia. Byrne has expressed excitement over casting for the film and claims the film is about humanity and picking up the pieces left behind after a tragedy “which is thoughtful”. However, that doesn’t sit well with New Zealand’s community. Petitioners are asking the question, “Why won’t the film producers tell the full story of what happened that day?” Although the Prime Minister swiftly reacted to the situation when it happened. Plus, the government has failed many of the surviving victims in need of mental health care due to the post-traumatic stress caused by the horrific experience. Even during these crazy times, the NZ Muslim community ARE still processing. Their scar wounds still fresh, raw and it will take a long-time to heal.
So the writer and director of the film, Andrew Niccol, is a white man from Paraparaumu, New Zealand. Although New Zealand is his home country, petitioners believe it’s unfair for a white man to profit off a film that exploits the victims without covering their story. Furthermore, they feel that he has no say in covering topics on racism because maybe he hasn’t experienced it yet.
One of the petitioner’s reason was signing up, was it’s because the appreciation way (duty of care) from Prime Minister showed at the time, the way she handled the tough situation while grieving with the relative family members, as there is no need to ‘glorify’ PM actions.
While the actress has already been selected, the storyline, the writer & director are all part of this film’s problem.
Above all, a lack of communication with family members of the victims is another serious issue matter. While working on the film, the writer, producers, and actors failed to speak + get permission from New Zealand community members blessings. Most members of the community who attended mosques in Christchurch had no prior knowledge of the film. Miserably, it leaves family members wondering if the film is genuinely beneficial. It doesn’t tell the story of what their loved ones went through, nor does it touch on the aftermath of children, wives, and other relatives left behind after losing a loved one to the massacre. Most believe it is a way for Niccol to profit from the horrific events that unfolded in 2019. (I don’t know mate)
One would expect the writer and the producer to reach out to those negatively impacted by “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” terrible decision made to walk into these mosques and taking the lives of innocent people while they were in what they felt was a safe place for prayer. However, Niccol has failed to reach out to any community members while working on this film. (nowhere to be found!)
Therefore, the National Islamic Youth Association has announced that they would like to have the filming cancelled. They don’t believe the film appropriately depicts the story behind the people who lost their lives that day or what other injured victims experience while in a place of worship. The movie is believed to be insensitive while invalidating the experience of those who went through it. Many people wondering why the film’s writer and director wouldn’t want to focus on telling stories of survivors instead of focusing primarily on the Prime Minister who didn’t go through the harrowing experience herself. The executive’s producers should reconsider it with thought. Maybe a documentary change should be on their mindl!
Criticism over this film continues. It’s too early and so far one producer has since decided to withdraw from the film. Philippa.C, says her decision came after realizing the film didn’t include critical political views or proper context. It’s a loss for Niccol, who continues to experience controversy surrounding the film. Those petitioning against the film can only hope that Niccol will choose to put a stop to production/changing into a documentary with permission. It will keep on increasing into more criticism and controversy, tossing the film and its idea out.
That’s all.
so thank you for your patient reading legends. and take care then.
Kind Regards
Moe
# References:
The Petition Against Film Production for They Are Us
Understanding the Tragic Events That Unfolded on March 15th
The Aftermath of the Christchurch Massacre
The Controversy Surrounding the Christchurch Massacre Film
Lack of Communication with Family Members
Calling for the Cancellation of They Are Us
https://www.change.org/p/filmnation-entertainment-shut-down-they-are-us-movie-which-side-lines-victims-of-the-march-15th-terrorist-attack?fbclid=IwAR0zLa3LjuUXP1IdBOPMB6uC9lGzVXCoIWqAn-x51r4ydA-ISP-qGlU_rRU