news

A creationist film received $90,000 from Australian taxpayers.

A loophole in a government agency allowed this film to receive thousands of dollars in public funding.

An Australian film produced by a creationist organisation has received over $90,000 of taxpayer funding, The Australian reports.

Darwin: The Voyage That Shook the World aims to “influence the mainstream” to “think again”, according to the producers Creationist Ministries International.

australia creationist film god religion
The creationist film encourages people to “think again” about the theory of evolution. Image: iStock.

 

“We trust that for years to come, as Christians use the DVD to show to their acquaintances, very large numbers of people will rethink and re-examine their various philosophies, and that many will come to know the truth that sets them free in Jesus Christ,” the organisation’s website explains.

Related content: We never thought we’d hear the Catholic Church admit to this.

CMI is a not-for-profit Christian organisation that promotes the teaching of the Book of Genesis, Guardian Australia reports.

The group question the theory of evolution developed by Charles Darwin — preferring that man and the earth were created by God.

ADVERTISEMENT

Screen Australia, a government agency supporting local film, is legally obliged to offer rebates to producers of all Australian feature films, regardless of its content.

australia creationist film
“A controversy that still rages today”. Image: Amazon.

The 2009 documentary did not receive direct funding but was reportedly eligible for a “producers rebate” — totalling $90,000.

Related content: She was raised by two women. Then she found god. Now she’s taking a stance against gay marriage.

The full funding amount was awarded this week after the conclusion of a legal battle that commenced in 2010.

The film grossed $116,436 at the Australian box office.

Social media reactions to the film:

Do you have a news tip? Email us at news@mamamia.com.au.

[post_snippet id=324408]