TIFF Withdraws ‘Sparta’ Before World Premiere Following Allegations of Impropriety Against Director Ulrich Seidl
Manori Ravindran International Editor The Toronto International Film Festival has withdrawn the film “Sparta” following allegations of on-set impropriety against director Ulrich Seidl.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 after allegations against Seidl and the production were published last week in German news magazine 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.