Filmmaker of Port Arthur movie is seeking public approval for controversial film

The producer of a controversial film on the Port Arthur massacre is seeking public approval to make the movie, despite saying it will likely be distressing for Tasmanian viewers.

Film producer Paul Moder intends to make a film on the Port Arthur massacre. Picture: GETTY

A FILM producer who has never been to Tasmania is seeking public approval to make a movie about a horrific chapter in the state’s history.

Paul Moder — who has written a script on the Port Arthur massacre — has started crowd-funding to try to raise the money to shoot the controversial film, titled WASP. He hopes to raise $3 million.

Speaking to the Sunday Tasmanian, Mr Moder apologised in advance for the distress the movie could cause, but said he needed to tell the story.

“The reason I have a crowd-funding campaign is a lot of people are supportive of the project and want to see a film made about it,” he said.

“I’m hoping that with Tasmania’s blessing, that I may be able to go down there and help put this to bed.

A film poster for WASP.

The film’s producer Paul Moder.

“I’m not here to make a profit off of this, I’m not in it for fame, I’m not in it for the money. I’m in it because I need to tell this story.”

Mr Moder said he had received death threats since he first announced his intention to make the film in 2016.

He said the majority of the project would be filmed in Victoria and on studio sets but with “blessing and permission” he hoped to shoot some background location scenes at Port Arthur.

“I haven’t been to Tasmania and I’m intending to go down there,” he said.

“I know I’m not welcome in many circles. I certainly don’t want to go in and upset everybody.”

MORE OF TODAY’S NEWS:

‘NO SILVER BULLETS’ FOR HEALTH SYSTEM, SAYS FERGUSON

TEEN SHOT IN HEAD IN HUNTING ACCIDENT

GALLERY: DARK MOFO NUDE SOLSTICE SWIM

YOUTH TO BE CHARGED FOR TYRE SLASHING

Mr Moder said the script was based on facts, but also circumstantial information.

When asked why he didn’t just stick to the facts, Mr Moder said his research had left him with questions.

He said no one would release any hard facts or evidence to him, so he had to “go around those obstacles”.

“There’s just something about this crime that punched a hole through the whole of Australia.

“I understand it’s something that is particularly distressing, but I feel that 23 years later, it’s part of our history.”

Former emergency department director at Royal Hobart Hospital, Dr Bryan Walpole — who treated victims on the day of the massacre — said Tasmanians had healed and moved on.

“We don’t need to rake over those coals,” Dr Walpole said.

“We just had the 20-year anniversary and every time it comes up it scratches those raw wounds.

“Nine out of 10 Tasmanians would say leave the thing be. It’s a film I, or any of my colleagues, wouldn’t go near.”

[e-mail]