Steve McQueen is no longer attending the opening night screening of his new film "Blitz" at Camerimage Film Festival over comments the festival director made about women cinematographers.

"Having read Marek Zydowicz's op-ed concerning female cinematographers, I have decided not to attend the opening night presentation of my film 'Blitz' this weekend," McQueen said in a statement to Variety. "Although he has issued an apology, I cannot get past what I consider deeply offensive words. I have enormous respect for cinematographers of all genders including women, and believe we have to do and demand better to make room for everyone at the table."

In a column published in Cinematography World magazine, festival director Marek Żydowicz suggested that having greater representation of women DPs and directors in the event's selection could lead to the inclusion of "mediocre film productions."