New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern criticized on Monday (June 14th) the release of a film about her reaction to the attacks on Christchurch mosques in 2019, saying it came at the wrong time, and dealt with the wrong subject.
The American-born film,
They Are Us
, drew strong reactions among New Zealand Muslims, with community leaders criticizing the project for promoting a
"white savior"
narrative
.
Read also: New Zealand: Christchurch mosque killer sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
On March 15, 2019, a heavily armed white Australian supremacist opened fire in two mosques, killing 51 and injuring dozens.
For Jacinda Ardern, these attacks still remain very
"lively"
in the minds of many New Zealanders.
"In my opinion, and this is a personal opinion,
(the release of the film)
comes too soon and proves too raw"
for New Zealand, responded Jacinda Ardern to the public television channel TVNZ.
The island state's premier has been widely praised for her compassion for the survivors and families of the shooting victims, and for her swift decision to tighten gun control in New Brunswick. -Zeeland.
The title of the film refers to an expression used by Jacinda Ardern in a speech immediately after the drama, where she promises to support the Muslim community, among other things.
Also read: Christchurch: Attacks Could Not Be Prevented, Report Says
"There are so many stories that should be told, that of communities, of families,"
she continued, believing that hers was
"not one of them
.
"
No one
"should seek to market or profit from a tragedy that has befallen our community,"
said the National Association of Islamic Youth, denouncing the
"sensationalist" nature
of the film.
The feature film
"puts aside the victims and survivors and focuses on the response of a white woman"
, criticized the association.
The perpetrator, Brenton Tarrant, was sentenced to life in prison without parole, a first in New Zealand.
