The Muslim Association of Canterbury has acknowledged Hollywood filmmakers of the controversial movie “They are Us” did consult with members of the Muslim community.

They Are Us was announced on Friday with Australian actress Rose Byrne set to play Ardern. It will focus on the response to the massacre at the mosques in which 51 people were murdered on March 15, 2019.

Producers have come under pressure to cancel the film, after they were accused failing to consult with members of the wider Muslim community.

The National Islamic Youth Association called for the film to be shut down, claiming it centred around “white voices, and plans to “capitalise” on the tragedy.”

An online petition attracted over 60,000 signatures to cancel the project.

The backlash forced Auckland producer Philippa Campbell to resign from the international production team.

However, in a media statement, Muslim Association of Canterbury spokesman Abdigani Ali from the Al Noor Mosque said “after the Muslim Association of Canterbury’s media statement questioning the timing of the film and raising concerns on the focus of the film – the producers of the film have got in contact with MAC to clarify our concerns. After consultation, the producers have shared the synopsis of the movie and listened to our concerns.”

He said “MAC acknowledges that the producers have contacted and spoken to both the Imams of Al Noor and Linwood Mosque and some of the victims of March 15th terrorist attack who came forward and shared their stories with film producers however we have come to an understanding that more consultation needs to be done with the victims of the March15th terrorist attack which includes further dialogue with Linwood Islamic Centre and the different community groups that represent the victims such as the March 15th Victim Group, Sakinah Foundation and the other ethnic community groups that also represent victims from their ethnic communities such as the Somali, Pakistani and Bengali communities just to name a few of these community groups in Christchurch.”

“We have agreed to work closely with the producers to facilitate this process of consultation and any victims of the March 15th terrorist attack who are the families of the victims, the survivors or witnesses can send their request for consultation to: [email protected] and rest assured you will be contacted as the producers have made a commitment to work with our community in an appropriate, authentic and sensitive manner.”

FILM PRODUCER RELEASES STATEMENT

They Are Us lead Producer Ayman Jamal, said “first and foremost, we are devastated by the pain and concerns caused by the announcement of the film by the members of the New Zealand public, the Muslim community of New Zealand and in particular the victims directly impacted by events of March 15th 2019 in Christchurch. This was never our intention, and we believe we owe a clarification to those families who lost their loved ones, survivors and witnesses regarding the film, its purpose and intention.”

“Over a year ago we have consulted with the local Muslim community of Christchurch which included Imam Gamal Fouda of Al Noor Mosque and Imam Alabi Lateef Zikrullah of Linwood Mosque and over 20 other victims of the March 15th attack. At the time the Christchurch Muslim community was going through a lot, and we were engaging only with those families who were ready to share their story with us at that time.”

“This project was developed to share these and some of the other unique 20 plus stories that the victim families have shared with us who are the real inspiring stories and heroes with the whole world. That is why we called the movie “they are us” – we wanted their stories to be heard and to make it our obligation to tell these unique stories to the world.”

“There is no one hero in this film, collectively the New Zealand people from diverse backgrounds showed us, the rest of the world, that together they turned an horrific terrorist attack to unity, love and compassion by sticking together and affirming that they are all one and in this together.”

“We deeply regret that we did not reach all of the families of the victims, survivors and witnesses and we want to sincerely show that we are here to listen and consult with every last victim of this tragic event who wants to express their views irrespective of what the view is and that we are ready to hear the many more inspiring stories for those who would like to share them with us. We are opening a channel of communication through the Muslim Association of Canterbury for all the families of the victims, survivors, and witnesses to email in their views, requests for consultation, requests for meetings or those who would like to share their story with us and assure them we are here to listen. The email address is: [email protected]”

THEY ARE US SYNOPSIS

THEY ARE US takes place over one remarkable week, from a Friday to a Friday. Jumu’ah to jumu’ah. From the Prayer Day when a gunman chose to murder Muslims in New Zealand to the following Prayer Day when the country chose to honour them.

In a mirror of New Zealand’s own approach, during the film the gunman is never shown and his name is never spoken.

Instead, during the attack we witness the acts of heroism and sacrifice. The worshippers who confronted the gunman at Masjid Al Noor and shielded their fellow worshippers. At Masjid Aroha – Linwood Islamic Centre – we witness the courage of the unarmed worshipper, Abdul Aziz, who chased the gunman away and in doing so saved so many lives.

The Imams of the two mosques, Fouda and Zikrullah, advocating for the families of the victims, including urging that the bodies be released in accordance with the Muslim faith.

We witness the Muslim surgeon who saved the life of a four year old girl wounded in the attack and the Christchurch residents who came to the aid of worshippers.

We depict worshipper, Farid Ahmed, who very publicly forgave his wife’s murderer. We depict how refugees, fleeing violence, were forced to come to terms with the cruel irony that violence claimed them in one of the safest places on earth.

And we witness the actions of Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, during this remarkable week. How, an hour after hearing of the attack, she instinctively penned those three simple but unforgettable words of love and solidarity, “They are us.” And in this week, she achieved in six days what countries like the United States have failed to do in decades – Banning assault rifles and all weapons of war used in the attack.