Sydney Film Festival Chair Deanne Weir, CEO Leigh Small and Festival Director Nashen Moodley said:

“As previously stated, the version of MUKBANG in the SFF Virtual Edition was changed on Friday 19 June, on the filmmakers’ request, to remove an image which may cause unintended triggers. Sydney Film Festival respects the filmmakers’ request and concerns.

Sydney Film Festival supports the programming of MUKBANG in the 2020 virtual Edition; and subsequent award for Dendy Australian Short Film Award for Best Director.

Over the years, the Festival has presented a programme of films by a rich diversity of filmmakers from all over the world, reflecting and pro-actively supporting diversity and accessibility; specifically, in program streams such as First Nations, Screenability, Europe! Voices of Women in Film, and in pledging to the 5050×2020 charter.

The Festival also tries to bring together a diverse range of experience and voices to its juries, and will continue to improve in this regard. Sydney Film Festival has a strong conviction that open, respectful dialogue and debate opens the way to systemic change.”