A Disney executive admits that its recent film “Mulan” indeed created issues for the entertainment giant. The release of the live-action adaptation of Disney’s classic 1998 animated film received backlash over shooting parts of the movie in Xinjiang in China. Many media and human rights groups condemn the place for detaining Uighur Muslims and other minorities.
“Mulan” and Online Criticisms
When the live-action “Mulan” finally hit Disney+, criticisms rained on the film. Viewers noticed that the filmmakers included credited authorities from Xinjiang, where alleged abuses happen over the minorities. Disney remained silent regarding this issue.
Disney has broken its silence on the controversy surrounding "Mulan" and the film's credits including authorities in Xinjiang https://t.co/bEyfgwTFxq
— CNN Business (@CNNBusiness) September 11, 2020
But on Thursday, Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy spoke about the matter. Her comments came during a virtual conference with analysts.
CNN Business quoted her saying: “Mulan was primarily shot in, almost the entirety, in New Zealand.”
“And in an effort to accurately depict some of the unique landscape and geography of the country of China for this historically period piece drama, we filmed scenery in twenty different locations in China,” McCarthy explained.
‘Common Knowledge’
Moreover, she said that “common knowledge” suggests seeking permission of government publicity agencies when shooting in China. Therefore, it only warrants the film to acknowledge the “national and local governments that allowed you to film there.”
Furthermore, she added that the film acknowledged both China and New Zealand. “And I would just leave it at that,” McCarthy said.
She also mentioned that it created “a lot of issues” for them. CNN Business noted that the Disney executive did not elaborate. Nor did the Mouse of House not immediately responding regarding her remark.
Response
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for China echoed McCarthy’s statement. The agency noted that crediting Xinjiang authorities was only normal.
Also, CNBC reported that sources knowledgable of the issue say Chinese authorities asked media outlets not to cover the “Mulan” film. This could likely be linked to the online rage the movie received over the Xinjiang region.
On the other hand, McCarthy noted that the controversies generated publicity for the film.
