Following allegations against Austrian director Ulrich Seidl, the film “Sparta” will not premiere on Friday at the Toronto Film Festival as planned. “Sparta” had been withdrawn, the Canadian festival’s website said without further explanation. A spokeswoman for Seidl’s production company told the German Press Agency in Vienna that the decision was made by the festival and not by the director.
Of the mirror had previously reported that during filming in Romania, children were exposed to scenes of alcoholism, violence and nudity without adequate preparation and care. In addition, rules for working with children are said to have not been observed. The allegations by the cast and parents were made anonymously. The 59-year-old Seidl (“dog days”) immediately rejected her. “We never overstepped the bounds of what was ethically and morally imperative while shooting.” The children were looked after by pedagogically trained staff. Noisy mirror However, the police and public prosecutor’s office in Romania are now investigating the case.
The film about a man with pedophilic tendencies was invited not only to Toronto, but also to the film festival in San Sebastián, Spain. “Sparta” is supposed to be shown there on September 18th.