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The screening, organized by Fathers Rights Alberta, attracted around a dozen protesters outside the theatre and a deluge of condemnation online.

Photo by Gavin Young / Postmedia

Protester Leah Nicholson said while she believes people have a right to watch what they want, she thinks this particular film promotes a violent rhetoric towards women.

“They have a right to watch the film. They have the right to have meetings and talk about it, but we have the right to say it’s hateful and that we don’t agree,” Nicholson said.

“We absolutely believe in free speech. (Their) right to free speech is not hampered by us also speaking.”

A couple of Calgary police officers were on hand for Tuesday’s screening and while a few words were exchanged between attendees and protesters, the evening proceeded peacefully.

Photo by Gavin Young / Postmedia News

Few attendees Tuesday were willing to comment on the film’s controversial take on the men’s rights movement. Some critics have suggested the film contains an anti-feminist message and that for a documentary, it’s largely uncritical of some of the movement’s misogynist voices.

Most attendees said their support of the screening was a matter of free speech.

“I don’t know much about the film itself, but I believe in free speech,” said Stephanie Mcleod.

Photo by Gavin Young / Postmedia

Among the attendees Tuesday was family lawyer Brian Warrington, who said a client he represented in a custody battle had suggested he check out the film.

“I’m told (the film) is not misogynist and I certainly hope it’s not. If it is misogynist, I don’t want anything to do with this documentary,” Warrington said.

“It’s a free speech issue absolutely, and so (the screening) should go ahead. But there is a difference between free speech and hate mongering.”