The Toronto International Film Festival was today (Tuesday Sept 11) abandoned following the terrorist attacks in the neighbouring US.

The cancellation may be both a practical measure and a mark of respect for the dead and injured. The US has closed its borders to Canada and Mexico restricting the movement of festival delegates and film prints. Air transport in and out of Canada has been made harder by trans-Atlantic air traffic chaos and congestion at Canadian airports created by the grounding of US bound flights.

Statements are expected to be made by festival organisers later today.

Screen International extends its sincerest sympathies to all its friends and colleagues in the US following today's tragic events.