The producers of Son Of Babylon have this morning asked that their film be removed from the MIFF lineup after learning that the festival is partly sponsored by the State of Israel.

According to Crikey's Cinetology:

Son of Babylon explores the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s downfall in Iraq. It is the second festival-selected film to attract controversy this year, following the ACMI’s decision earlier this month to ban director Bruce LaBruce’s LA Zombie.

MIFF director Richard Moore is refusing to pull the film.

Crikey also have the leaked emails. Full story here.