Image Courtesy: Mega
Associated Press
American film production and international sales company FilmNation Entertainment is all set to produce a movie entitled ‘They Are Us’, based on the 2019 Christchurch attacks on the Muslim community of New Zealand. The project, which will be written and directed by New Zealand screenwriter, producer, and director Andrew Niccol, will follow the inspirational story of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s quick response to the unfortunate events and the achievements of the government led by Ardern and citizens who rallied behind the Prime Minister’s message of compassion and unity to ban assault rifles in the country.
According to sources, Australian actor Rose Byrne, who recently starred in FX’s limited series Mrs. America, where she portrayed journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, has been roped in to play the role of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in the upcoming movie. Director Niccol, who was nominated for an Oscar for his film Gattaca, which he wrote and directed, and also wrote and produced the Oscar-nominated film The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey, has been given the responsibility of writing and directed the upcoming drama.
The script for the movie has been developed in consultation with members of the mosques who were affected by the tragedy. According to the director, the movie will not be focusing much on the attack itself, but rather will focus more on the response to the attack and how the unprecedented act of hate was successfully overcome by a counter-act of love and support. The film addresses our common humanity, which the director believes will be relatable to people all over the world.
They Are Us, produced by Ayman Jamal, Stewart Till, director Niccol, and Philippa Campbell, will begin production in New Zealand. The project is also being set up as a potential at the upcoming Cannes Virtual Market, while the domestic and worldwide distribution rights are being sold by CAA Media Finance.