ABC managing director Mark Scott says suggestions that the ABC decided not to screen a controversial film about Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer because of pressure from China are "ludicrous".

The film's producer, John Lewis, has told the Australian newspaper that the ABC told him the film was scheduled to show on December 17 last year.

"If I were to be asked, is the ABC kowtowing to China for some reason, I'd say I don't know but it looks awfully like it," he said.

ABC dismisses 'ludicrous' China pressure claim - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)