Makers of the new Midlands-based movie Lady Godiva - Back in the Saddle accused Cannes Film Festival organisers of censorship last night, after permission for a promotional stunt was withdrawn.

Kiera Chaplin, granddaughter of legendary movie icon Charlie Chaplin, was due to appear on horseback at the Festival to promote her starring role in new movie.

But permission from the Mayor of Cannes and the local police, which had been granted last week, was withdrawn at the 11th hour.

The film's producers, Coventry businessmen Dennis Timothy and Heath Jones, claimed the authorities suddenly withdrew their permission for Kiera Chaplin to ride across the 'Coisette la Lady Godiva' after receiving a call from festival organisers.

Mr Timothy said the decision was based on reports that the photocall had gained too much interest among international press, and was not a part of the official programme of festival events.

He said: "It's the most bureaucratic decision ever made in festival history. They threatened to arrest us if we placed Kiera on the horse. Since when can't you promote your movie? This isn't Cannes - it's can't!"

He said he believed the decision to prevent the photo call going ahead was taken after film producers distributed circulars around the press, and the film began competing with official Cannes listings.

He plans to write a formal request asking festival organisers to explain their decision.

He said: "We challenge the festival officials to come forward with an explanation and share with the public their so-called reason for not letting the press have the freedom to chose who and what it wants to cover.

"In the true spirit of Lady Godiva, who fought against the bureaucrats of her time, Lady Godiva must be allowed to get back in her saddle. If the festival isn't about promoting films, then what is it about?"

Lady Godiva - Back in the Saddle, due for release in early 2006, is a comedy about the controversial building of an American- style gambling casino on hallowed ground in Coventry, where the original Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets of the city in 1048 in a protest over taxes.

The $10 million comedy is being produced by independent film company Koralis Pictures, based in Warwick.

The film stars Academy Award- nominee Jennifer Tilly, impressionist Jon Culshaw, co-star of Titanic Jonathan Hyde, and Anthony Head, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame.