Anti-vaxxer movie screening in secrecy at Crown

UPDATE: A CONTROVERSIAL anti-vaccination movie has been shown at one of Melbourne’s most prominent cinemas, despite being banned from theatres around the world.

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A CONTROVERSIAL anti-vaccination movie has been shown at one of Victoria’s most prominent cinemas, despite being banned at theatres across Australia and the world.

The Australian Vaccination-sceptics Network screened Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe at Village Cinemas at Crown casino on Wednesday night.

The alarmists were given the space outside the cinema to sell books and DVDs that teach how children can attract measles and warn of the false dangers of vaccinations.

A DVD of the movie and a book teaching how children can attract measles. Picture: Mark Stewart

Inside the book teaching how children can attract measles. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Herald Sun understands the AVN covertly organised the showing, only revealing where the movie would be screened less than an hour before.

It is believed to be the first of two screenings in Melbourne with others to take place across the country.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy on Wednesday night urged Victorians not to go.

“This screening’s message is dangerous. Victorians should get health information from their doctors,” Ms Hennessy said.

Inside a screening of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe at Village Crown.

Inside a screening of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe at Village Crown

President Tasha David said the AVN was transparent when it made the reservation at Village amid reports it has not disclosed the title at different venues across Australia.

“We booked Village Cinemas as a private venue and they have been very professional in all our interactions. The AVN went through the normal booking process, which included volunteering information, trailers, and a full screening link to the film for review,” Ms David said.

Inside a screening of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe at Village Crown

People line up for a screening of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe at Village Crown. Picture: Mark Stewart

People look at books before a screening of Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe at Village Crown. Picture: Mark Stewart

Crown Resorts spokeswoman Natasha Stipanov was on Wednesday night unable to comment.

Village, which did not return the Herald Sun’s calls, is a tenant of Crown.

The resort was not made aware of the event before the movie screened.

Dr John Cunningham, who was awarded an Order of Australia medal last year for vaccination promotion, on Wednesday slammed the movie as “lies”.

“You would struggle to find even an element of truth in that movie. It’s rubbish,” Dr Cunningham said.

“Because it is on at Village it now has an air of legitimacy that it does not deserve.”

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