and praised it for being irreverent, high-energy and over-the-top. Controversy The film was a source of controversy because of its use of vulgar humour, racial stereotypes and ethnic slurs (including choco, for non-white people). Some have argued that the portrayal of ethnic-minority characters in the film links vulgarity to ethnic identity and social class. The film is also accused of disingenuously passing off its representations of ethnic minorities as satire to excuse its harmful implications. As such, it is an example of self-stereotyping, like other Australian ethnic-minority lead comedies are. A counterargument to this that has been raised is that the film gives representation to ethnic minorities, such as Lebanese and Vietnamese people, who were previously absent from Australian comedy and that it is an example of ethnic minorities representing themselves and pushing against mainstream representations. Therefore, Fat Pizza—among other films—marks a shift in the representation of minorities in Australian media away from sensitive, serious portrayals towards market driven entertainment (Khorana, 2019). The favored reception of the film is argued to represent a large, youthful, ethnic-minority audience looking for an outlet against being minoritized in Australian media. Paul Fenech stated in an interview "It's a very hard country for a lot of people to survive, and that's why people come to my shows, doesn't matter whether they are Greek or bogan." Sequel The television show for which the film was adapted from went on to be renewed for another two seasons, which aired in 2005 and 2007 on SBS. A crossover film between Fat Pizza and Housos – another television show created by Paul Fenech – was released on November 27, 2014. The Fat Pizza television show was revived for a sixth season in 2019 by Paul Fenech and premiered on 7mate, November, 2019. Trivia This was the last appearance of Sleek the Elite in the franchise until 2014's Fat Pizza vs. Housos. The serial killer featured in the film is based on a reference to a famous Australian serial killer Ivan Milat. The scene in the Northern Territory with the baby and the dingo is a reference to Lindy Chamberlain and the Death of Azaria Chamberlain. Fat Pizza (2003) was the first film Rebel Wilson starred in. The character David Cockerfield is a parody of real-life magician David Copperfield. See also List of Australian films Pizza (TV series) Fat Pizza vs. Housos Pizza delivery in popular culture References External