Business Standard

'Balekempa' withdrawn from MAMI film fest after director accused of sexual assault

Image

IANS Mumbai

After a budding screenwriter shared her account of sexual harassment by the acclaimed Kannada film director Ere Gowda, Zoo Entertainment, the producer of his film "Balekempa" has withdrawn it from Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star.

"The producers of 'Balekempa' have withdrawn the film from the festival and have issued an official statement. The film will not screen at Jio MAMI With Star 2018," read a tweet posted on the festival's official Twitter account on Wednesday.

The statement read: "We find the allegation shocking, and are deeply disturbed and saddened. As the producers of 'Balekempa', directed by Ere Gowda, we feel a need to take decisive action regarding how we wish to take things forward with the film.

 

"As of now, we are withdrawing the film from all its festival commitments until we have further clarity on the facts."

This comes a day after the organisers of Dharamshala International Film Festival announced that "Balekampa" will not be screened at the festival.

--IANS

aru/nn/sed

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Oct 24 2018 | 4:12 PM IST

Explore News