Classification due for Aramoana massacre film

The director of a controversial movie about the 1990 Aramoana massacre is worried his film will be given a higher censor's rating because it is a New Zealand movie.

Chief censor Bill Hastings is due next week to classify the movie chronicling events at the Otago town where gunman David Gray murdered 13 people, The Press reported today.

The movie has re-opened old wounds from the massacre with some locals feeling it was not an appropriate subject for the screen.

Director Robert Sarkies told the newspaper the movie was not suitable for children but it should still be available to as wide an audience as possible.

"I would hope that the film is based on a level playing field with other films. Sometimes New Zealand films can be judged more harshly."

Out of the Blue is due to open on October 12.

- NZPA