A German court prohibits the screening of a film based on the case of self-confessed cannibal Armin Meiwes. The court rules Meiwes' rights as an individual outweighed artistic freedom and he should not become the object of a horror film.

After posting an advertisement on the internet asking for a willing victim in 2001, Meiwes, a computer technician, killed and ate Bernd Juergen Brandes.

Meiwes was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison in 2004 after admitting he killed a 43-year-old man and partially ate him. He says he simply carried out a willing victim's instructions, and was jailed for manslaughter.

Last year, an appeal court ordered a retrial after state prosecutors argued Meiwes was guilty of murder. If convicted, Meiwes could face life in prison.

The film, directed by Martin Weisz, stars Thomas Kretschmann in the leading role and is based on the events of Meiwes' life. It was due for release nest week.