The team behind a new Scientology documentary making a splash at the Sundance film festival hit back after leaders of the controversial group slammed the movie as one-sided.
The firestorm erupted after the world premiere in Park City over Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief, directed by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney.
Based on a book by Pulitzer prize-winning writer Lawrence Wright, the movie makes allegations about the Church of Scientology and blames high-profile members Tom Cruise and John Travolta for not exposing alleged abuses.
"We hold people like Tom Cruise and John Travolta and others responsible for not demanding change inside that church," Wright told industry journal Variety.
"By not speaking out, it's a kind of an endorsement and I think that's why we're right and properly critical," Gibney added.
Sunday's screening in the Utah mountain resort was held amid tight security and speculation about possible protests, although in the end nothing materialised.
In a statement issued Monday, the church took direct aim at the filmmakers and HBO, which is set to air the film.
"The accusations made in the film are entirely false and alleged without ever asking the church," it said, noting that it had taken out a full-page ad in the New York Times last month to denounce the movie.
"Despite repeated requests over three months, Mr Gibney and HBO refused to provide the Church with any of the allegations in the film so it could respond," added the statement.
AFP
source: newshub archive
