The Hollywood star playing Jacinda Ardern in new film about the Christchurch mosque shootings announced

Publish Date
Friday, 11 June 2021, 10:09AM
Photo / Getty Images

Photo / Getty Images

Emmy nominated actress Rose Byrne is set to play Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in an upcoming movie about the weeks following the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.

The film titled They Are Us, is written and directed by New Zealand's own Andrew Niccol and focuses on Arden as the film's protagonist.

They Are Us will follow Ardern's response to the tragic attack on 51 innocent victims on March 15 and showcases how Kiwi citizens rallied behind her message of compassion and unity.

Ardern received worldwide praise for her response to the shootings.

The script was developed directly in consultation with several members of the mosques affected by the tragedy.

Production is set to take place in New Zealand and will be produced by Ayman Jamal, Stewart Till, Niccol and Philippa Campbell.

"They Are Us is not so much about the attack but the response to the attack [and] how an unprecedented act of hate was overcome by an outpouring of love and support," Niccol told Deadline.

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"The film addresses our common humanity, which is why I think it will speak to people around the world. It is an example of how we should respond when there's an attack on our fellow human beings."

Byrne recently starred in a limited series titled Mrs. America where she portrayed journalist and activist Gloria Steinem. She is also well known for her more comedic roles in Bridesmaids and Bad Neighbours.

Kiwi director Niccol was nominated for an Oscar for his film Gattaca, which he wrote and directed. He also wrote and produced the Oscar-nominated pic The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey.

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