1 Day - a film described by its makers as "Britain's first Hip Hop musical" - will not be screened in the city where it was filmed due to cinemas' concerns over "security".
The film, which follows 24 hours in the life of a young street hustler as he finds himself racing against the clock, pursued by a rival street gang and the police.
The Odeon and Vue cinemas in the city have decided not to screen the film, claiming their decision came after discussions with police.
There have also been suggestions from some anti-gun groups in the city that the film makes gangs look attractive.
Director Penny Woolcock has said that the film aims to portray a reality for many.
In the director's statement for the film - which is also screening at Sheffield's Doc/Fest - she says: "While making the film, we were often reminded of the reality behind the fiction. My main character was called Tricks for months until a phone call from Handsworth advised me to change the name because a youth called Tricksta had been shot dead over Christmas and it would be seen as disrespectful.
"It's a fiction not a documentary but it is telling a truth."
But she strongly denies that the film makes gangs look attractive, telling Channel 4 news: "The film does not glamorise gang violence in any way whatsoever. It clearly spells out the consequences of selling drugs, the consequences for those who consume them and the very deadly consequences of carrying a gun."
The actors meanwhile stress that the film is chiefly about bringing new talent musicians into the limelight.
West Midlands police strongly deny they have been involved in any official talks regarding the film - although it appears one officer did express personal concerns about its content.
Assistant Chief Constable Suzette Davenport of West Midlands Police told Channel 4, who co-funded the film: "At no time have we sought to ban the film, quite simply because we have no powers to do so and would never seek to act as a censor."
Viewers outside the film's home city will be able to make up their own minds regarding the 15 certificate subject matter when it goes on limited release across the UK from Friday.
For details of where the film is screening, visit the official site.
