Pauline Hanson Celebrates Victory as Film Screenings Reinstated After Last-Minute Cancellation
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared that 'common sense prevailed' after a decision to cancel screenings of her new satirical film was dramatically reversed at the eleventh hour. The Senator, who is currently promoting her controversial animation across Australia's capital cities, faced unexpected obstacles when venues in Melbourne and Hobart reportedly pulled the plug on scheduled events.
Political Satire Sparks Controversy and Cancellation
The 90-minute M-rated animation, titled 'A Super Progressive Movie', describes itself as a 'satirical feature that dives into Australia's political and cultural chaos with bold humour and sharp commentary.' Following successful premieres in Brisbane on Monday and Sydney on Tuesday, three screenings were scheduled for Melbourne on Thursday night with a sold-out event planned in Hobart for Saturday, January 31st.
However, on Wednesday evening, Senator Hanson claimed the Melbourne and Hobart screenings had been abruptly cancelled by what she described as 'super progressives... at the last minute.' The political firebrand launched a scathing critique of what she perceives as Australia's growing political correctness, stating: 'This country has become so rigidly politically correct and so frightened of giving imaginary offence to imaginary people.'
Defending Free Speech and Satirical Content
Hanson passionately defended her film against criticism, arguing: 'They're calling this the most dangerous movie in Australia, when in truth it's a love letter to Australia. I have much stronger confidence in the Australian people's ability to take a joke and appreciate political satire.' The Senator emphasised the importance of free expression, adding: 'You can't have real free speech unless you're able to take it as well as you give it.'
Following media coverage of the cancellations, Melbourne venue organisers performed a dramatic U-turn, reinstating the screenings at Village Cinemas Crown. Hanson expressed her relief to NewsWire, stating: 'The people of Melbourne will love the movie and I'm so pleased that common sense prevailed.' The Daily Mail has contacted Hobart venue organisers for comment regarding their screening status.
Ticket Holders Rejoice at Screening Reinstatement
The news of the Melbourne screening's reinstatement was welcomed by Hanson's supporters who had paid up to $133 for premium tickets. Ticket holders were promised an exclusive experience including walking an orange carpet, participating in a live Q&A session with the creative team, collecting exclusive merchandise available only at the premiere, and being part of the film's national launch.
On Thursday morning, film sessions at Melbourne's Village Cinemas Crown remained active on trybooking.com. The ticketing website showed the 6:30-8:00 PM session as completely sold out, while a later 7:00-9:00 PM session still had all seats available for purchase.
Film Content and Mixed Critical Reception
The animated feature presents a bizarre political fantasy where an animated Pauline Hanson assumes the role of Australia's Prime Minister. The plot follows four progressives who venture beyond their 'Naarm Bubble' when their rainbow malfunctions, exploring what a world led by 'Prime Minister Pauline Hanson' might resemble.
Critical reception has been decidedly mixed. The film currently holds a 4.9 rating on IMDb, with one reviewer dismissing it as 'pure garbage' and commenting: 'I started watching this movie for a laugh at progressive politics, which are obviously disastrous, but this movie is for people with very low IQ and was a turnoff in minute one. No thanks.'
However, another viewer offered a more positive assessment, describing the film as showing a 'fast-paced rewind to what's happened to Australia.' They added: 'Not for the faint-hearted though! Plenty of crude jokes, a bit like an Australian South Park episode!'
The controversy surrounding the screenings highlights ongoing tensions in Australia's cultural and political landscape, with debates about free speech, political correctness, and the boundaries of satire continuing to provoke strong reactions from all sides of the political spectrum.
