WELLINGTON: Tentative plans for a movie that recounts the response of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to a gunman's slaughter of Muslim worshippers drew criticism in New Zealand on Friday for not focusing on the victims of the attacks.
Hollywood news outlet Deadline reported that Australian actor Rose Byrne was set to play Ardern in the movie “They Are Us,” which was being shopped by New York-based FilmNation Entertainment to international buyers.
The movie would be set in the days after the 2019 attacks in which 51 people were killed at two Christchurch mosques.
Deadline said the movie would follow Ardern's response to the attacks and how people rallied behind her message of compassion and unity, and her successful call to ban the deadliest types of semiautomatic weapons.
The title of the movie comes from the words Ardern spoke in a landmark address soon after the attacks. At the time, Ardern was praised around the world for her response.
But many in New Zealand are raising concerns about the movie plans.
Aya Al-Umari, whose older brother Hussein was killed in the attacks, wrote on Twitter simply “Yeah nah,” a New Zealand phrase meaning “No.”
Abdigani Ali, a spokesperson for the Muslim Association of Canterbury, said the community recognized the story of the attacks needed to be told “but we would want to ensure that it’s done in an appropriate, authentic, and sensitive matter.”
Tina Ngata, an author and advocate, was more blunt, tweeting that the slaughter of Muslims should not be the backdrop for a film about "white woman strength. COME ON.”
Ardern’s office said in a brief statement that the prime minister and her government have no involvement with the movie.
Deadline reported that New Zealander Andrew Niccol would write and direct the project and that the script was developed in consultation with several members of the mosques affected by the tragedy.
Niccol said the film wasn't so much about the attacks but more the response.
“The film addresses our common humanity, which is why I think it will speak to people around the world," Niccol told Deadline. "It is an example of how we should respond when there’s an attack on our fellow human beings.”
Byrne's agents and FilmNation did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The report said the project would be filmed in New Zealand but did not say when.
Niccol is known for writing and directing “Gattaca” and writing “The Terminal" and “The Truman Show,” for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
Byrne is known for roles in “Spy” and “Bridesmaids.”
Plans for movie on New Zealand mosque attacks draw criticism
https://arab.news/bcjmt
Plans for movie on New Zealand mosque attacks draw criticism
- The movie would be set in the days after the 2019 attacks in which 51 people were killed at two Christchurch mosques
Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif
If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).
One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.
They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.
The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.
All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.
They have a few burger selections.
The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.
If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.
My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.
Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.
All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.
The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.
Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.
Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.
It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.
Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.
And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.
And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.
