Film Production Company Halts Controversial Shoot After Neighbourhood Outcry
A film production company has scrapped plans to shoot a movie in a residential area of Amsterdam, following protests from locals who found the planned scenes too sensitive. The company had initially informed residents about the scheduled shoot on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 January, asking them to keep certain parking spots free and follow traffic controllers’ instructions. They warned that some scenes might be disturbing, with weapons, police vehicles, and actors in uniform involved.
One resident, upon receiving the notice, filed a complaint with the municipality, expressing concern that the shoot would take place near a memorial for Mohamed Bouchikhi, a man shot dead by police in 2015. The resident also noted that children from the nearby school might be affected, as they had witnessed the fatal shooting.
The production company received similar feedback and, in a new letter this week, announced that they were canceling the shoot. "We were not aware of the impact our plans would have on the neighborhood and the feelings they would evoke," they wrote. "We apologize for any unrest we may have caused and hope for your understanding."
The company had previously secured a film permit from the municipality and had been in contact with officials about the content of the scenes. However, they decided to move the shoot to another location, the details of which have not been disclosed. The plot of the crime thriller is also unknown at this time.
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