CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland International Film Festival is canceled due to concerns about coronavirus in Northeast Ohio.

The festival was set to take place at Cleveland’s Tower City Cinemas from March 25 to April 5, screening hundreds of films from around the world -- and drawing thousands of attendees into the theater for nearly two weeks. Other festival events were scheduled to take place in theaters in Gordon Square Arts District, Cedar Lee District in Cleveland Heights and Playhouse Square.

The festival was slated to celebrate its 44th event this year, which would have marked its final year at Tower City Cinemas before it moves to Playhouse Square in 2021.

Mayor Frank Jackson spoke about the festival at a city meeting on Wednesday, March 11.

“We will do whatever is necessary and appropriate and legal to mitigate, minimize, prevent the spread of the virus,” Jackson said at the meeting.

CIFF executive director Marcie Goodman said that the festival had expected more than 100,000 attendees -- mostly local moviegoers -- at the 2020 event. This is the first time CIFF has had to cancel the festival in its history.

“Even though our audience will miss it this year, there will be excitement because we’ll be in our new home [in 2021]," Goodman said. “The passion will still be there.”

Goodman did not provide an estimated cost associated with canceling the 2020 CIFF event.

CIFF posted the announcement on Twitter, and also shared a brief statement, on Wednesday.

“This is a difficult situation for all involved,” the statement reads. “We are grateful for your understanding, loyalty, and continued support during this challenging time.”

The statement also indicated that the 2020 festival would not move to a later date this year -- and that the next CIFF series will take place in 2021.

“While we are saddened that our film loving audience will not have the opportunity to experience CIFF44’s amazing films and talented filmmakers, we understand the City’s obligation to protect the health and safety of all residents. We regret not having the opportunity to celebrate our three decades at Tower City Center. But we look forward to presenting CIFF45, April 7-18, 2021, at our new and permanent home in Playhouse Square,” the statement reads.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Cleveland.com reporter Robert Higgs contributed to this story.