Israeli films will be shown at festival after cinema firm’s dramatic u-turn

But Picturehouse Cinemas later backtracked on the cancellation, attributing it to an “internal error”. No further explanation was offered.

All four screenings, including at the Duke’s at Komedia cinema, will go ahead.

The organisers of the Seret International Film Festival said they were “delighted” that the firm had reversed its decision.

Picturehouse Cinemas is owned by Cineworld, whose chief executive officer, Moshe Greidinger, and his deputy, Israel Greidinger, are both Israeli.

Brighton's Jewish community welcomed the decision, saying it was reassured Picturehouse does not "support any kind of boycott of the arts".