Shabana, Emily Blunt frown on Cannes stress on high heels

Film and theatre veteran Shabana Azmi, who earlier criticised the focus on fashion over movies at the 68th Cannes International Film Festival, has now expressed her disapproval over reports that the extravaganza is not allowing women without heeled footwear.

Shabana, who has attended the festival in the past and was also a former jury member, tweeted on Wednesday: "Shocking report that Cannes bans flats on red carpet! Director of 'Amy' Asif Kapadia says his wife was given rough time 2. Unacceptable surely."

Many women were reportedly turned away from a film premiere for not wearing high heels, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

At a press conference for the film "Sicario" on Tuesday, actress Emily Blunt said it was "very disappointing" to hear that the festival was forcing women to wear high heels.

However, the organisers have said there was no such rule for the red carpet.

In response to questions, festival director Thierry Fremaux denied that there was a high-heel policy in place. "Not at all," he tweeted. "The rumour that the festival requires high heels for women on the steps in unfounded."

A festival source said that for red carpet screenings, the "rules have not changed throughout the years," and that "women were required to wear formal dress".

"There is no specific mention about wearing heels, thus, in order to make sure that this rule is respected, the festival's hosts and hostesses were reminded of it," the source added.