(Cover) - EN Movies - Organisers of the Cannes International Film Festival have labelled director Lars von Trier "a persona non grata".

The moviemaker sparked controversy yesterday when he described himself as a "Nazi" during a press conference for his new movie Melancholia at the prestigious film event.

Reactions to the shocking speech, which also saw him describe Israel as a "pain in the ass", caused Lars to release an apologetic statement where he denied being anti-Semitic or having Nazi sympathies in any way, and organisers of the festival have today released a statement condemning the moviemaker.

"The Festival de Cannes provides artists from around the world with an exceptional forum to present their works and defend freedom of expression and creation. The Festival's Board of Directors, which held an extraordinary meeting this Thursday 19 May 2011, profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the Festival," read the release.

"The Board of Directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars Von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately."

Lars' sci-film film Melancholia tells the story of two sisters whose relationship is challenged when a planet threatens to collide with Earth and stars Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg. It has been reported that the movie's Argentine distributor has refused to release the film in light of the director's comments, and movie insiders believe the scandal could have a damaging effect on the movie's reception and release. (C) Cover Media