A film based on the aftermath of the Christchurch Mosques terror attacks continues to generate anguish in New Zealand, casting doubt on whether the movie will be made.
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Jacinda Ardern has voiced her opposition to the project, titled They Are Us, a phrase coined by the prime minister in one of her speeches after the massacre.
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel says filmmakers "won't be welcome" in the city, the site of the 2019 attack which killed 51 people.
And more than 61,000 Kiwis as of Monday afternoon have signed a petition asking FilmNation Entertainment, CAA Media Finance and the local film industry to withdraw support.
The petition, started by the National Islamic Youth Association (NIYA), asks locals no "say no" to the use of locations, hiring gear, talent or crew and interviewing or promoting They Are Us.
The film's focus on Ms Ardern's response to the tragedy is at the centre of NIYA's opposition.
"The film centres white voices and therefore will continue to white-wash the horrific violence perpetrated against Muslim communities," the petition reads.
On that point, Ms Ardern agrees.
"It feels so raw for all of us still but not not least, the community," she told The AM Show.
"Yes there are stories to be told from March 15 but I don't consider mine to be one of them.
"I think it's for the community to determine whether or not those are stories that at some stage they want told or not ... now feels very raw for everyone."
The growing backlash has forced one Kiwi film producer, Phillipa Campbell, to pull out.
"'I've listened to the concerns raised over recent days and I have heard the strength of people's views. I now agree that the events of March 15, 2019 are too raw for film at this time and do not wish to be involved," she said.
Ms Ardern is likely to get a taste of the opposition first-hand on Tuesday when she heads to Christchurch for a conference on countering terrorism and extremism.
Local mayor Ms Dalziel doubts there will ever be a time for a dramatisation of New Zealand's worst modern-day mass shooting.
"I'm just so outraged that they even think that this is an appropriate thing to do," she said.
"I've read people online saying this is too soon. It's never going to be right. It's not a story."
Rose Byrne, cast as the Kiwi PM in the film, told the Associated Press she was "really excited" to be playing "such a fascinating character" in brief remarks.
It's unclear whether Ms Byrne was aware of the growing local opposition to the project.
FilmNation, the movie's key backer, has been contacted for comment.
Australian Associated Press
