LOS ANGELES, Aug 18 — Oscar winning director Roman Polanski has been forced to pull out of an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland after announcements that he would receive a lifetime achievement honour sparked protests. — Cover Media

The 80-year-old director of “Chinatown” and “The Pianist”, who is still wanted in the US on nearly 40-year-old sexual-assault charges, issued a statement apologising for his decision not to travel from his home in France. Polanski was due to receive a special lifetime achievement award at the film festival but it triggered a backlash among those who believe he should be sent back the US to face trial. — Cover Media 

Oscar winning director Roman Polanski has been forced to pull out of an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. — file pic