Sean Penn to miss Dubai Film Fest

Sean Penn's fans in Dubai will doubtless be heartbroken.

Dubai International Film Festival authorities have confirmed to Emirates 24|7 that the Hollywood star's visit to the emirate has now been cancelled, as he eschews a moment of glory in the spotlight to focus on humanitarian work instead.

"The Dubai International Film Festival regrets to inform its fans that Lifetime Achievement Honoree Sean Penn is unable to attend DIFF 2010 due to the political situation and upheaval in Haiti following the recent election. Mr. Penn has flown to Haiti to check on his staff and camp," the festival said in a statement to media.

The actor has become the unwitting poster boy for the Haitian earthquake and the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which he co-founded with director Julian Schnabel, has been recognised as one of the most successful of any organisation in the earthquake-torn country, helping stem the spread of disease and provide key relief services.

Violent protests erupted across Haiti last Tuesday, following political disagreement over the outcome of recent Presidential elections in the country. Banks and other commercial establishments have only opened on Monday after nearly a week of staying shut, wire agencies reported.

Penn apologised to audiences in Dubai, too: “I am honoured to receive the Dubai Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award and had every intention of being there to accept it in person. Regretfully, the situation in Haiti has worsened and it was of the utmost importance that I be there to ensure the safety of my staff and the J/P HRO camp. I look forward to attending Dubai’s Festival in the future.”

Penn was to interact with media and fans at an hour-long open question-and-answer session on Monday evening. DIFF authorities said those who bought tickets to the public audience are being contacted by the its box-office team and will be able to either exchange their tickets for other screenings at the festival or get a refund.

For more information about the work Sean Penn and his organisation are doing in Haiti, go to www.jphro.org. 
 

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