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22nd January 2019
10:07pm GMT
James Bulger’s mother has spoken out about controversial film Detainment after it was nominated for an Oscar.
The Irish film is based around transcripts of police interviews with Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, who were convicted of abducting and murdering two-year-old James Bulger in Liverpool in 1993.
James’ mother Denise Fergus had previously called for the film to be removed from the Oscars shortlist but today it was officially nominated in the Best Live Action Short category.
Following the announcement, Denise wrote on Twitter, ‘I cannot express how disgusted and upset I am at this so-called film that has been made and now nominated for an Oscar.
‘It's one thing making a film like this without contacting or getting permission from James's family, but another to have a child re-enact the final hour of James's life before he was brutally murdered and making myself and my family have to relive this all over again.’
She added, ‘I'm so angry and upset at this present time. I just hope the film doesn't win its category in the Oscars.’
Director Vincent Lambe confirmed on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne Live that he hadn't consulted the victim’s family before making the film, which is reportedly going to be shown on RTÉ in the coming weeks.
He admitted, “In hindsight, I think we probably should have got in touch or let her [Denise Fergus] know we were going to make it."
The movie has gained worldwide attention and an online petition to have it banned has reached over 100,000 signatures.
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