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Blossom's avatar

Saw the doco last night at the theatre in Whanganui. Michael Organ was sitting a couple of rows behind us and was talking the whole way through the movie. Weird hearing the echo of his voice behind us and on screen. The only time they were silent was during the funeral part. It was a weird experience having him there and then walking out onto Victoria Ave and feeling like you are still in the film.

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David Farrier's avatar

Sorry you got the 4D experience. And of course he's someone who talks during the movie. Should I get a microphone in there and record it for a director's commentary track for the DVD?

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David Farrier's avatar

On a serious note, sorry about this - and thanks for going.

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Robin Capper's avatar

Surround sound is one thing, surround subject another level of immersion!

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David Rees's avatar

Lol I'm in Whanganui too and have yet to get along due to ..... Life! ..... but defo on the must do list. Wow what a surreal experience for you. The lead into the movie has been a bit surreal for me as well due to my mahi but for many layered ethical reasons I cannot share here. Maybe suffice to say at one point I had to declare a conflict of interest for being a fan of Webworm 😉

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Blossom's avatar

Whoa yeah Whanganui is a small place. Hope you can get to see the film. The biggest eruption of laughter of the night was with the line 'Whanganui - a small town in the middle of nowhere!'

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sarah reed's avatar

holy shit! 😱😱

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

Ohhhhh myyy godddd. Was Jillian there, or was she locked up in her prison? I can’t stop thinking about her

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Jacqueline's avatar

Me neither. Following along a few steps behind him. I bet her son is worried about her. When David asked if he could talk to her, she looked at Organ, and finally said "Not today". She seems like a ghost.

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Blossom's avatar

We didn't see her. He was with two other guys and sitting in the very back row. It was a bit hard as we didn't want to turn around too much and stare.

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

There’s no way he would’ve allowed it. It was painful to watch their interactions in the film. She was always walking 2m behind him. The blatant gaslighting and talking over her. God so devastating

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Comment deleted
Nov 13, 2022
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Veronique's avatar

Acolytes most likely.

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Linda (they/them)'s avatar

Oh god the prison, it was creepy as hell seeing their house!!!

A stroke of genius talking to her while he was on the phone...

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

Shortest phone call Michael Organ has EVER HAD right???

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Linda (they/them)'s avatar

Hahaha so true! 30 seconds tops!!

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Lois's avatar

Bloody hell , how creepy !

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Linda.Baker's avatar

Holy shitballs.....

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Kendall's avatar

FAAAAARK!

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Lisa S's avatar

That would have been super weird!!

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RachaelH's avatar

Wow. How did he take it - was he raging, or loving the attention?

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Blossom's avatar

It was just constant talking. Mostly inaudible though. We could make out a few things, like 'rubbish' at the part where they accused him of going into people's rooms at night at Kingseat. A few people went up to him at the end, so possibly loving the attention??

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Blossom's avatar

Also, they were laughing quite loudly at times, so seemed to be enjoying it or parts of it!

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Rose's avatar

Dying to hear from these people!! What a crazy experience for you.

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Kimberley's avatar

Was so thrilled to be at the Mister Organ premiere but my heart ached for you during the Q and A. It sucks that coming home is not what you hoped. I hope that you are okay and taking care of yourself.

Loved the documentary. Was equal parts gut wrenching, hilarious, strange and interesting. Didn't stop thinking about the key for days! Well done David!

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David Farrier's avatar

Thanks Kimberley. That was a night where it all just hit. A combo of people from the doc being in the crowd, a drunk guy laughing behind me (which wound me up... sure, there are funny bits, but this was overboard), and mentor JC doing the Q&A. It was cathartic, though - it really was.

Thanks for being in the room that night.

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Bob Roberts's avatar

You changed the locks, right? As well as moving I mean.

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Simon Green's avatar

Same. This is someone who has had at least two people he became involved with attempt suicide - one successfully - and he has convinced someone (probably a locksmith) to give him a key. It’s frightening to think what else is lurking there that David has not uncovered.

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Jacqueline's avatar

Me too. How did he get that key?

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Kimberley's avatar

I think David said he probably convinced a locksmith.

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Jacqueline's avatar

Very likely, although it still makes me wonder....locksmiths won't copy keys unless they're given the master key. At least, that's my understanding, having tried to get a key copied that wasn't the master key.

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David Farrier's avatar

He'd done time in prison - imagine he could have a selection of locksmiths who aren't entirely ethical.

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Kimberley's avatar

Not every locksmith is a reputable professional and after watching the doco, I am sure Organ is in contact with a few shady individuals. Locksmiths can make a key from a lock. Sometimes people lose all their keys.

It is a scary thought for sure!!

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Bob Roberts's avatar

Locksmiths can make keys from locks because I have had this done when I lost my keys then lost the friggin' spare as well within two days of each other.

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Joe G.'s avatar

I’m looking forward to the upcoming “Chickens of Webworm” calendar.

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David Farrier's avatar

SAME.

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Genevieve's avatar

The pets thread has been an absolute ray of sunshine this week!

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Jess makes's avatar

THERE'S A PETS THREAD THAT I HAVEN'T SEEN? I need to get in here more!

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Genevieve's avatar

I think it’s only visible if you use the substack app.

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Jess makes's avatar

I do :)

I'll check that out later on

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AnnaA's avatar

Lol there could be a webworm “pet of the day” calendar and there’d still be leftovers!! 🤣

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Linda.Baker's avatar

jeezuz fuck David......I got to Mr Organ (the movie that is) on Friday night and had quite a visceral reaction - this 'thing' (can't call it a person) is as evil as he is banal - and yes, the banality of evil is a thing it seems. I was in such a relationship about 20 yrs ago, and that person came close to killing me - by driving me to a suicide attempt - which thankfully failed. I have never been more terrified and alone before or since - and I lived with a physically abusive father. What my partner subjected me to for 12 mths was psychological torture and misery. Their previous relationship had involved destroying that partner also - who was a much loved local GP - and who sold the practise and the loved home in their life community to leave NZ for a few years. That other ex partner is now back in NZ, but I hear did not ever fully recover from the exposure and relationship. So Mr Organ rang so many familiar bells for me I was pretty much in shock through the whole movie! Narcisstic Sociopath with Dissociative Disorder is what my therapist gave as a diagnosis for my ex. And this fits the person you came to know also, I would think. You will have a bit of shaking off of the shit to do, David, but you will shake it off. The fact that it takes so freaking long to do that is testament to the evil, or NSDD , individual that you were exposed to over a fairly long period of time. If I could give you a survivor's hug I would. And as for cats - my beautiful black Arabian Mau cat by the name of LIcorice, who was missing for eight days, returned to me last week! Dry and clean and uninjured but starving thin and desperately hungry and terrified. I would say, at a guess, that she got locked into someone's garage before they went away somewhere..... :-( She is slowly recovering from the trauma and the starvation and lack of water - but my vet is astonished....that she survived that long without food and water is miraculous enough, but without her daily blood pressure and anti seizure medications, after three/four days the vet encouraged me to let go of hope, because a seizure or stroke would likely have finished her off at that point. But no. She survived the odds, Albeit with the loss of one of her lives ... :-/ She is a little miracle and I sure do wish I could send you pic of her - she is cat royalty and steadfastness personified! And I am soooo happy she came back home!

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David Farrier's avatar

I am incredibly glad liquorice is back. The miracle.

As for your own version of Mister Organ - I am so sorry. Part of what I wanted to do with this movie was to have it as a testament to all the Organs of the world (there are a lot, always men) and how they work. That some people can feel seen and less alone when watching it.

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Linda.Baker's avatar

xx Thank you for outing him, David - even knowing that my own experience can be mirrored AND pushed back against is incredibly affirming. In my case, the Organ was not male - hence my small hesitation re Jillian being a victim - which is likely a bit unfair of me but I am careful not to make assumptions around these people and their acquaintances..... Sending massive tautoko for your continued battle. He will be dangerous if he loses. :-( <3

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Evi Doe's avatar

My own mr organ, though no where near his scale though she is still very young is also not a man. She does operate differently. I became a target of hers because she saw me as a threat to unraveling the hold she had over some people I knew. My job requires me to be very observant about language use and detail orientated so I picked up on some “funny” inconsistencies that maybe others wouldn’t have even questioned. Because of this I was extra observant and I caught her in lies and stealing from them. She played wilting waif really well, and went on the offensive trying to discredit me and make me out to be the problem. It was an awful six months. Especially because her partner is just as bad though a better operator, he is an amazing gaslighter. If I hadn’t been recording things At the time he would have got me disbelieving my own memory of it. Sadly while I was able to mostly convince my family of her manipulations I was not able to fully convince them of his.. but I think my presence has spooked them away thankfully.

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Linda.Baker's avatar

wow!!! well done you getting out from under that - made my hair stand on end coz it was such a familiar experience - though I only had one to deal with instead of two.....! Like you, I was aware of what was going on, but had to be very very careful in extricating this person from our lives - in order to safeguard my daughter (only 13 at the time), and my other flatmates, who were both terrified but played the game beautifully until we extricated her OUT of the house and our lives. She persisted in visiting and gaslighting other people I knew and loved for months, attempting to discredit me and cause hurt by stealing from and gaslighting them as well, but thankfully we were all kind of onto her at that point and were able to keep an emotional and intellectual distance that she began to sense and withdrew from our periphery - eventually leaving town. Oh the relief when that happened!!! She has kept her head down ever since, for many years, because a lot of things started to catch up on her - but I do fear for those whoever may be in her vicinity now....she is no doubt doing it elsewhere to others who are vulnerable. :-( These people are utter poison, and thank the lawd for DF, outing them and showing us how its done! Shining the spotlight on these cockroaches makes them scurry for the dark corners, so we need to keep on shining that light.

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Evi Doe's avatar

Oof that sounds awful! Well done to you for getting her out especially with safeguarding your daughter! That makes it so tricky. It’s hard when they live with you. You sort of get trapped in a house with this chaos monster. I had a similar experience as I did live with them and they were living with my brother and his flatmate (who they tried to manipulate everyone into kicking out I think their main aim was control of the flat completely, which was my brothers). She had me so stressed I couldn’t keep food down and lost about 7kg. It is a particular pleasant feeling when their own actions catch up with them though. For my two she made a fatal error trying to discredit me to the wrong person, sending them the most vicious email full of all these really bizarre and unfounded claims about me. The person she sent it to was in the room with me at the time and showed it to me, that really was a mask off moment for my family because the accusations and characterizations of me in the email were so, not me, they suddenly saw her manipulative lies for what they were. It was then I piled all the other evidence I found into the mix. Unfortunately she did still try to weasel her way back (I think she saw my family as a golden goose because we are generous with people we know in need) but she’s given up now. But there is some poetry in the fact she pulled her own mask off in her attempt to try and discredit me.

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Linda.Baker's avatar

jayzuz.....that sounds hideous - and yes, you are quite right - they tend to be attracted to either really kind and generous people in an attempt to bring them down to their own level to feel good about themselves (toxic narcissists), or to people exactly like them - and in numbers they are particularly dangerous. Which is why I am not completely convinced that Jillian is a victim as yet..... They are impossible to stop because (a) they don't necessarily break any laws and (b) they slither onto new environments and new victims - which is abhorrent. Spotlighting Organ as DF has done at least helps people to know that this behaviour is NOT acceptable....and it isn't them going nuts - its the evil doers trying to gaslight them beyond all reason. Be safe out there...

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Evi Doe's avatar

I re read your description of your experience. I’m so glad you managed to survive her, and also so pleased about your cat managed to make it home.

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

Arohanui to you and your resilient cat Linda 🐈

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Linda.Baker's avatar

PS very close to a packed house at the Bridgeway in Northcote! woohoo! Good luck with all the legal shite that the thing is going to chuck your way - no holds barred coz he is exposed as the cunt he is and always has been now. So please....please...be careful out there David.

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David Farrier's avatar

I am prepared but it's still very annoying.

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Linda (they/them)'s avatar

I was thinking while watching this, that he sounded very dissociative especially talking about "the person he shall not name". Probably needed to in order to create the reality he's living in. And definitely narcissistic. Scary scary person....

I'm glad you survived your ex, and super glad your kitty came back!!! May she have many more safe days with you.

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Linda.Baker's avatar

He refers to himself a lot in the third person it seems..... Omg i can't take my eyes off my little puss cat... And it's a bit mutual lol... We are both thrilled to be back together x

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Em's avatar

I saw it last night (Lighthouse Petone) and it was PACKED! Had to go to Petone because the Cuba St one was booked out.

Loved it. It featured two of the most engaging and fascinating people I have ever seen interviewed - I’m terrible with names but I’ll refer to them as the karate man and the abandoned institution man. I feel like they each deserve their own films that could be made without paying any soul tax at all. I actually laughed til I cried and snort/choked with karate man to the point that the woman next to me remarked to her partner “she has lost it”.

Abandoned institution man was the perfect note to end on and his perspective was so genuine and spot on. I wish him all the happiness in life. And you too!!

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

Oh my gosh yes. Those two were sooo funny. I was squealing. Don’t know how David keeps a straight face

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Em's avatar

All morning I’ve been threatening to do that hair pull move on my husband and saying I won’t have committed any crime 😂

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David Farrier's avatar

Let me know if it works. Also the heel kick on the phone.

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

Someone needs to do it as an experiment. I need to know if the brain actually freezes up

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Em's avatar

My hand must not be powerful enough because no success as yet.

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Carolyn Deng's avatar

Oh no Em. You gotta do those hand exercises beforehand 🤣🤣🤣

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Linda (they/them)'s avatar

He was the best part, his comments were so spot on! I wonder if he's worried Mr Organ will come after him for what he's said though?

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Em's avatar

I will contribute to his protection fund!

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Haylee's avatar

Reading that I've missed out on seeing the pets of webworm because I'm an Android user is the first time I've ever regretted my phone choices! Congrats on the success of Mister Organ and well done for managing to get a Webworm out on such a busy week!

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David Farrier's avatar

Haha I am so sorry - we will do it again when the Android version comes out. It's such a good thread. My gosh how I howled. And ALL THE CHICKENS MY GOD

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Emma's avatar

Hopefully you can see it in the browser?

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Dr Sea's avatar

Dearest David, thanks for putting our picture up - meeting you twice in one week was an absolute highlight and you really are as lovely and kind in person as you are on Webworm! Plus, your outfits are always perfection 😍

We’re telling absolutely everyone to go see your film, it truly is a masterpiece & leaves you thinking about it for days... especially all the victims & poor Jillian. I also loved all the interviewees and Simon’s (?) art is just AMAZING! I want to get my hands on some of their pieces so badly.

I read that awful article about Curate today & thought exactly the same thing: the point of these megachurches is to create suffering. Then people become too fragile to leave & get further sucked into the cult. Not unlike Mr Organ, just on a grander scale. Tbh I’m surprised he’s never started a cult!

Have a wonderful time in Aotearoa & revel in the aroha most of us Kiwis have for you. Fuck Sean Plunkett, Mr Organ & all the abusive men leading megachurches (have you found much abuse from the females in leadership or are they mainly guilty by acquiescing?)

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David Farrier's avatar

Really nice to see you - a beam of light. Thank you.

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Linda (they/them)'s avatar

I'd say the point of these churches is to make money. The suffering is an unfortunate by-product that they don't care they are creating....

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Dr Sea's avatar

It’s easier to make money when you got your victims traumatised by eternal hellfire, gaslit & bullied tho, right? There’s a reason why those who claim to be the word or representatives of God are often awful humans 🥺

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Kendall's avatar

Yes! Simon's art is just gorgeous!!!

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Sara Rose's avatar

I wish I lived in New Zealand. I’d love to see Mr. Organ in theaters and show support! Supporting from afar in the US! 😊

Any streaming service would be lucky to have it.

I’ve also been thinking about church culture a lot and how it really does make you more vulnerable to abuse. At least the church that I grew up in. You’re constantly told that you’re broken and worthless and that it’s a miracle Jesus loves you at all…that mindset translated into real life relationships is dangerous. The idea that you should be grateful to be loved at all because you’re so broken and dirty gave me such low self worth and made me put up with a lot of unacceptable things.

(I totally understand that not all churches are like this am I’m super happy for everyone that has had positive church experiences.)

I’m just thankful that there are safe spaces now to work through all of this and call out all the bullshit.

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David Farrier's avatar

I got to meet a few of the ex-Arisers in person during this little Q&A tour and that was pretty special. Brave people.

We'll find a home for Organ - the Letterboxd and Rotten Tomatoes ratings are going well so that all helps. Appreciate the patience.

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rainbow brute's avatar

Arg, thank you for articulating that effect on self-worth. It helps explain why people stay and it's heartbreaking

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Sara Rose's avatar

It really is. It’s also really hard to teach your brain new patterns of thinking. At least for me it’s been hard. But I’m trying!

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Mothy's avatar

Fiancée and I loved the Christchurch q&a - such a neat surprise having Jason Gunn host! Apologies for not coming up afterwards to say hi - I got shy and didn’t want to annoy you. I’m planning on being a webworm forever so I’m sure our paths will cross again.

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David Farrier's avatar

That's OK - I get talked out sometimes too and was pretty tired that night. I just really appreciate you coming. And Jason is a treasure who I have always loved (who doesn't) so having him there was pretty special for me - and everyone I hope!

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sarah reed's avatar

Fighting off all the absolutely deserved adoring other fans takes a determination and courage that I also lacked whilst attending the 2 Webworm events. At least we can all banter and catch up on here 😊

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David Farrier's avatar

Haha thanks Sarah - wish I could see everyone but I talk too long and don't get to see everyone! The comments section is good. I like it here.

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castle87's avatar

I watched the doco last week in Brisbane, and I just have to say to the person I accidentally spat my water all over I'm sorry. I was taking a sip when Michael was going on one of his rants when out of nowhere he said the line about being a cunt. It was so unexpected, I involuntarily spat my water everywhere, all over the person in the row in front. He was a champ though, he lightly brushed it off, and pretended it didn't happen. It was one of those situations that was so horrifyingly embarrassing that the only thing your brain decides to do is laugh, which set my friend off, creating this horrible feedback loop of laugh-crying and trying my hardest not to disturb the nice old couple seated next to me. You truly can't take some people anywhere, and I'm pretty sure I'll never be able to set foot in that cinema again.

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David Farrier's avatar

Sorry that line snuck up on you. It snuck up on me, too!

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Vic A's avatar

I loved the pet thread! What a source of joy!! 🐱🐶🐔🦆

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rainbow brute's avatar

Major fomo for androiders 😢🐶

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David Farrier's avatar

SO MANY CHICKENS

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Missing In Action's avatar

I really enjoyed the film and Q&A in Christchurch last night.

I left the film to go straight to my work at Christchurchs psychiatric hospital overnight where I have to walk around the site and for the first time ever I felt a bit creeped out wandering from ward to ward!

Love your work David and I hope this film find success with loads of people getting into cinemas to see it.

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David Farrier's avatar

An amazing location to go to straight after! Thanks for coming. Those screenings were "fun" if "fun" is the right word.

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Sophie's avatar

Love ‘Worms’ as a term of endearment for Webwormies.... I already have the tattoo!

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David Farrier's avatar

Woohoo! Glad you approve.

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Julie's avatar

Loved Mister Organ! I hope your soul is starting to replenish after paying such a heavy tax.

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Philippa's avatar

I am so excited to see Mister Organ, will do on Wednesday in Palmerston North with a friend. I will then be sharing away and encouraging all my friends and family to go. The reviews are outstanding and I’m so pleased for you as you’ve had to put up with a lot of BS lately and deserve some real recognition for your continued dine work. 👏👏👏👏

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Philippa's avatar

Fine work! 🙄😬🤦🏼‍♀️😂

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David Farrier's avatar

Thanks for going :)

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Lara's avatar

Wow. I've just walked out of the film. Everyone looks entirely dazed and gobsmacked. I'm in awe of you, David. So much respect for you persisting wth this story. I can't imagine living that experience. I spent half the film wanting to make you a hot drink and make sure you're ok. Seriously, are you ok?

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David Farrier's avatar

I am doing OK. It's been a lot.

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Lee's avatar

It was good to hear you say that in Christchurch. Not just Mr O but Arise etc. It IS a lot. I love that you want to lift these rocks and that you do have support. I love your vulnerability too, a super power.

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