North Hobart’s State Cinema to screen controversial Port Arthur film Nitram in ‘select sessions’
Hobart’s State Cinema will screen the controversial Port Arthur film Nitram in “select sessions”. LATEST >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE State Cinema has penned an open letter to Hobart, explaining it has decided to screen controversial Port Arthur film Nitram in “select sessions”.
The move comes after the iconic North Hobart cinema declined to screen the film on Thursday, the first day of its expected Hobart - and Australia-wide - season.
The Mercury attempted to contact both the State Cinema and its owners, Reading Cinema, for comment, with the cinema confirming no screenings had been scheduled.
But by the day’s end, the cinema had relisted the film on its website with a coming soon date of October 14, with an open letter to “Dear Hobart” from the State Cinema team.
“Dear Hobart, we understand that there will be those who feel it is important they have the opportunity to view the film Nitram and engage in the discussion around it, as well as those who do not wish to engage with the film or have it imposed on their lives,” the letter read.
“For this reason, we have made the decision to play the film on select sessions for those who wish to see the film for themselves and to understand the approach of the filmmakers in dealing with this tragic subject.”
The cinema said it would make “a commitment to our community not to promote the film” via traditional advertising such as trailers played in other sessions or posters placed on premises.
The letter continued the team had given the topic “careful consideration” following community feedback and consultation with the filmmaking team, and believed “this to be the best outcome to serve the varied community interests”.
Former State Cinema owner John Kelly told the Mercury he most likely would have screened the film.
“Without having seen the film, the first thing I always do is preview a film and make a selection on that,” he said.
“From what I understand and have been told about the film, seeing as it’s not gratuitously violent and the main thing being is it doesn’t glorify (the gunman), I most likely would have screened it.”
He said the cinema had screened many controversial films over the years, including director Justin Kurzel’s film Snowtown, which told the story of serial killer John Bunting.
“While I appreciate it’s controversial, that’s what cinema is about - it’s a mirror to society’s values and reflects to us who we are and where we are at any point,” he said.
“There’s a lot of controversial films and the State shows a lot of those. There’s always going to be a lot of people who don’t agree or don’t like a film, but the bottom line is they don’t have to buy a ticket and see the film either.”
Nitram will also be available to stream on Stan at a yet-to-be-determined date later this year.
The film has generated massive controversy, with many Tasmanians expressing outrage it could sensationalise the massacre or contribute to the gunman’s “legacy”.
More Coverage
‘Childhood dream’: Rookie florist gears up for first Valentine’s Day in the job
After more than 30 years working in public relations, Pene Snashall decided to follow her dreams when she recently bought a floristry business. Now she’s preparing for the busiest day of the year.
TCCI report lays down gauntlet to Govt to hit key economic targets
Tasmania’s peak business body has announced ambitious targets for productivity growth, budget surpluses, and increased energy generation that it says the state government must achieve by 2028.