In Christchurch, residents on Monday echoed criticisms of They Are Us aired on social media.

Ali, 23, who worships at the Al Noor Mosque, the first target of the gunman on the day of the attacks, said the movie was “the dumbest thing ever” and he did not think anyone in his community would watch it.

“Everyone’s really just petitioning against it,” said Ali, who gave only his middle name because of privacy concerns.

Janet Campbell, 65, said it was “far too soon” to make a movie about the attacks. “It’s still pretty raw, it hasn’t been that long since the shooter was in court. Also I don’t think Jacinda should be the focus,” she said.

Emma Roche, 23, a history student at the University of Canterbury, described the project as “an insensitive political stunt.”

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“To condense the events of March 15 into a film that will primarily focus on the exploits of a politician seems to miss the point of the ideas of commemoration and respect,” she added.

Niccol’s script was developed “in consultation with several members of the mosques affected by the tragedy,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. However, that came as a surprise to several members of the Muslim community, who were reportedly “blindsided” by the film’s announcement, local media reported.

Anjum Rahman of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand said the story of the Christchurch attacks “needs telling, but not in this way.”

“It should be centred on those directly impacted by the attacks. And the victims need to be properly consulted if this goes ahead,” she said.

Byrne has not addressed the controversy. But she recently told the Associated Press she was “attached” to the project and excited to play Ardern, a “fascinating character.”

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The Washington Post