Sarah Polley has taken her name off her latest project because of its association with Becel.

The two-minute short The Heart is due to air on Sunday during CTV’s airing of the Academy Awards, filling an entire commercial break. Polley says she came on board to direct because, according to a statement issued Tuesday, it was to promote the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The short is also linked, however, to food maker Unilever and its margarine Becel. It was produced by Bravo!FACT and The Film Farm. Media agency PHD Canada was also involved.

‘When I agreed to make this film, I was thrilled, as I was proud to be associated with the work of this incredible organization [the Heart and Stroke Foundation],’ said the Toronto-based actress (Splice) and director (Away from Her). ‘However, I have since learned that my film is also being used to promote a product. Regretfully, I am forced to remove my name from the film and disassociate myself from it.’

‘I have never actively promoted any corporate brand, and cannot do so now,’ she concluded.

It remains unclear to what extent the short film promotes Becel. Representatives at Unilever were not immediately available for comment.

CTV is currently promoting the film and an eTalk special.