Movies
Organisers of the Edinburgh International Film Festival were forced to cancel the screening of a movie about cockfighting over fears it could be illegal.
Cockfighter, due to have been shown on Tuesday, was made in the southern United States in 1974 and features real clips of the blood sport.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals alerted organisers that showing the scenes could now be against the law and animal cruelty legislation.
"They are very real and extremely brutal,'' explained Natalie Smart, a spokesman for the group. "Following an anonymous tip-off, we notified the EIFF that showing it in public would be illegal."
Festival managing director Ginnie Atkinson said the decision had been taken to avoid potential legal problems. She said: "I'd prefer to take the prudent route."
Cockfighter, due to have been shown on Tuesday, was made in the southern United States in 1974 and features real clips of the blood sport.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals alerted organisers that showing the scenes could now be against the law and animal cruelty legislation.
"They are very real and extremely brutal,'' explained Natalie Smart, a spokesman for the group. "Following an anonymous tip-off, we notified the EIFF that showing it in public would be illegal."
Festival managing director Ginnie Atkinson said the decision had been taken to avoid potential legal problems. She said: "I'd prefer to take the prudent route."
More: Movies, Edinburgh Film Festival
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