Prague Film Festival canceled over coronavirus

The Prague International Film Festival, which its lineup included two Iranian movies, has been canceled amid fears of the coronavirus outbreak.

The organizers of the Czech festival, known as Febiofest, said it was canceled until further notice and will aim to be rescheduled later this year.

“Febiofest is cancelled for the previously announced dates of 19 to 27 March in Prague and 30 March to 9 April in the regions,” the event’s website reads.

The cancellation comes as the Czech Republic, which has recorded tens of cases of coronavirus, imposed a ban on cinema screenings, schools, sport matches and cultural events as well as public events that expect attendance of more than 100 people amid fears over the COVID-19.

The festival had revealed that Iranian feature films ‘Just 6.5’ (6.5 per Meter) by Saeed Roustaee and ‘Son-Mother’ by Mahnaz Mohammadi would be screened during its 27th edition.

The flu-like deadly virus originated in China in late 2019 and later spread to more than 100 other countries.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a global pandemic.

SQ/MG