Bigelow defends Oscar-tipped film over torture

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - US director Kathryn Bigelow defended on Wednesday her controversial Oscar-tipped movie Zero Dark Thirty against criticism of its depiction of torture in the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

Writing in the Los Angeles Times, she said critics should focus on those responsible for torture and harsh interrogation techniques in the years after 9/11, rather than at artists portraying them.

"Experts disagree sharply on the facts and particulars of the intelligence hunt, and doubtlessly that debate will continue," wrote Bigelow, whose 2008 film The Hurt Locker won six Oscars including best picture and best director.

"As for what I personally believe, which has been the subject of inquiries, accusations and speculation, I think Osama bin Laden was found due to ingenious detective work. "Torture was, however, as we all know, employed in the early years of the hunt. That doesn't mean it was the key to finding Bin Laden. It means it is a part of the story we couldn't ignore."