TIFF Withdraws Sparta Before World Premiere Following Allegations of Impropriety Against Director Ulrich Seidl
The Toronto International Film Festival has withdrawn the film “Sparta” following allegations of on-set impropriety against director Ulrich Seidl.
“Sparta” was due to have its world premiere in Toronto on Friday afternoon. However, there has been speculation as to whether the film would remain in the festival following allegations published last week in German newspaper Der Spiegel.
The investigation alleges that Seidl did not communicate the film’s theme of paedophilia to its young actors, who were between the ages of 9 and 16. It’s also alleged that the actors were confronted with alcoholism, nudity and violence during the production without adequate preparation or support.
Der Spiegel says its journalists spent more than six months investigating the production of “Sparta” in Germany, Austria and Romania, and spoke to dozens of crew members, including some actors. Seidl’s lawyer told Der Spiegel that there is no sexual context nor pornographic or paedophilic scenes in the film. They also denied that any child was “filmed naked or in a sexualized situation, pose or context.”
A brief statement from TIFF on the film’s official festival page simply reads: “This film has been withdrawn from festival. We apologize for any inconvenience. Ticket holders will receive an email from TIFF Customer Relations with more information.”
Variety has contacted TIFF for further comment.
More to come.
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