Three Major European Film Festivals Condemn ‘Severe Wave of Suppression of Artists in Iran’

Three major European film and arts festivals issued separate statements on Monday strongly condemning the arrest of Iranian filmmakers.

The Berlin Film Festival, which had issued a statement on Saturday protesting the arrest of Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Aleahmad, released another statement on Monday saying it was “horrified” and “angry” to hear about the arrest of Jafar Panahi.

Panahi, a well-known figure in Iranian and world cinema who has won numerous awards from prestigious international festivals, was arrested by security forces on Monday.

Jafar Panahi is among 300 Iranian filmmakers and cultural activists who issued a statement condemning the arrest of Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Aleahmad, the signatories of the protest statement “Put Down Your Gun.”

According to some reports, Panahi had gone with a group of filmmakers to Evin Prison’s prosecutor’s office to follow up on the arrest of these two filmmakers, but was arrested while leaving the prosecutor’s office.

Berlin Film Festival organizers stated in their statement that the actions of Iranian security institutions in arresting these filmmakers constitute violations of freedom of expression and artistic freedom, and called for their release.

The Cannes Film Festival also responded on Monday by issuing a strongly-worded statement regarding the arrests of Jafar Panahi, Mohammad Rasoulof, and Mostafa Aleahmad.

Cannes Film Festival, reviewing Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof’s appearances and achievements at this prestigious international event, strongly condemned their arrest and called on the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to release all arrested artists.

The festival stated in its statement that it condemns the “severe current wave of suppression of artists in Iran.”

Following Berlin and Cannes, the Venice Film Festival also issued a statement expressing concern about the arrest of filmmakers in Iran, condemned “ongoing oppressive measures” against artists, and called for the release of arrested filmmakers in defense of freedom of expression and creativity.

Jafar Panahi won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2000 with the film “The Circle.” Panahi also holds the Golden Bear award from the Berlin Film Festival in his professional record, an award that Mohammad Rasoulof also won in 2020 with the film “There Is No Evil.”

Source: Radio Farda