Sydney Film Festival Cancelled: 'The Health & Safety Of Our Community Is Our First Concern'

The 2020 Sydney Film Festival (SFF) has been cancelled.

For the first time in its history, the beloved film festival will not go ahead this June due to the coronavirus outbreak and the ban on mass gatherings of over 500.

"In this rapidly evolving and unknown environment, the SFF board and management know this is the only responsible decision – albeit a devastating one," Sydney Film Festival Chair Deanne Weir, CEO Leigh Small and Festival Director Nashen Moodley said in a joint statement today.

"However, the health and safety of our community is our first concern."

Moodley added that the SFF will return next year.

“Sydney Film Festival will return in 2021 with a more crucial role than ever before," he said.

"In changing and challenging times, the Festival is proud to be the forum where we collectively discover and discuss the world and our times through the medium of film."