Call for ban on 'child rape' film

Call for ban on 'child rape' film

Dakota Fanning

Fanning also starred in War of The World and Charlotte's Web

Twelve-year-old actress Dakota Fanning is at the centre of a row over a new movie that depicts her being raped by a teenage boy.

US religious groups are calling for a boycott, saying Fanning's appearance in the film is tantamount to child abuse.

The protests came as Hounddog received its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Monday.

Director Deborah Kampmeier has defended the film, saying issues like child rape need to be discussed in public.

"This issue is so silenced in our society," she said. "There are a lot of women who are alone with this story."