Kiwi producer of They Are Us resigns
Philippa Campbell, a producer working on They Are Us, the controversial film about Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Christchurch terror attacks, has resigned.
She issued a statement to apologise for her involvement in the film.
‘‘I’ve listened to the concerns raised over recent days and I have heard the strength of people’s views. I now agree that the events of March 15, 2019 are too raw for film at this time and do not wish to be involved with a project that is causing such distress,’’ Campbell said.
Early plans for the biopic film, which would focus on the response by Ardern to the attacks, have been met with outrage by many of the victims’ families and the wider New Zealand Muslim community.
Ardern said she had not been contacted about the film, until shortly before its production plans surfaced.
A family member of a Christchurch mosque attack victim has penned an open letter to actor Rose Byrne, asking her to refuse the role in They Are Us film.
Campbell said she initially thought the film would have a positive impact.
‘‘This was reinforced by research interviews undertaken by producer Ayman Jamal with members of the Muslim community in Christchurch. I also hoped that telling the story of swift gun control action might resonate in America and other countries that have struggled to create political consensus to control guns,’’ she said. ‘‘I deeply regret the shock and hurt the announcement of the film has caused throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
‘‘The announcement was focused on film business, and did not take enough account of the political and human context of the story in this country. It’s the complexity of that context I’ve been reflecting on that has led me to this decision.’’
Bryne, who was set to play Ardern, has not addressed the criticism.
The film is to be directed and written by Kiwi Andrew Niccol (Gattaca ), who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, developed the script ‘‘in consultation with several members of the mosques affected by the tragedy’’. He is yet to comment on the reaction to the project.