Sydney Film Festival cancelled over Coronavirus

The 2020 Sydney Film Festival (SFF) has been called off due to public health and safety concerns about limiting the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Sydney's premier film event is a highlight of the winter calendar and was due to run June 3-14.

“It is with deep regret that, for the first time in its history, the Sydney Film Festival board and management must announce the cancellation of this year’s festival,” wrote the leadership team on the event’s website.

Organizers did not offer an alternative date later this year. Instead they said that the SFF will return in 2021 “with a more crucial role than ever before.”

Sydney Film Festival plays a vital role in the Australian screen ecosystem and the Festival recognizes the immense impact the cancellation will have on the filmmaking, exhibition and distribution community, as well as audiences, volunteers, sponsors, donors and staff.

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