Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein says he was "highly uncomfortable" to learn a new film was in production about the Port Arthur massacre and its perpetrator, but that there is little the state government could do to stop it from being released.
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The film, directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown), has the working title NITRAM, will be filmed in Geelong and will star Caleb Landry-Jones, Judy Davis, Anthony LaPaglia and Essie Davis.
In Question Time in Tasmania's House of Assembly on Tuesday, Mr Gutwein, responding to a question from independent Clark MHA Madeleine Ogilvie, said the production had hit a "raw nerve" in the state.
"I feel highly uncomfortable about this," he said. "I think many Tasmanians will.
"However, whilst being uncomfortable with it, this is a production that is not being shot in Tasmania.
"We have very few if any options in terms of being able to limit this production taking place.
"It is a difficult circumstance for many in our community.
"I would hope that the filmmakers would be sensitive in the way that they craft this particular production."
Mr Gutwein said it would be wrong to attempt to "censor" the production.
Lyons Labor MHR Brian Mitchell, meanwhile, said he had "deep misgivings" about the film and said he feared it would "reopen still healing wounds".
"It may have been 24 years but people on the [Tasman Peninsula] live with it every day," he said.
"One of my biggest concerns is however sensitively the film-makers attempt to be they invariably are focusing on the shooter, when so much effort has been put into anonymising him and focusing on the victims and the community.
"This threatens to undermine all that has been done."
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Rob Inglis
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
Rob Inglis is a reporter with The Examiner, covering state and federal politics. He is based in Hobart.
