Sandra Hüller, Sean Baker, Laura Poitras Call for Solidarity With Mohammad Rasoulof and Iranian Filmmakers in Open Letter (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comMarta Balaga International filmmakers are calling for solidarity with Mohammad Rasoulof and persecuted filmmakers in Iran in an open letter, shared with Variety.
Rasoulof – about to screen his latest film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” in Cannes’ main competition – was sentenced to imprisonment and torture by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
He fled the country. “We condemn the inhumane treatment of Rasoulof and numerous other independent artists in Iran, who are being severely punished, criminalized and silenced for exercising their artistic freedom,” it was stated in the letter, already signed by “Holy Spider” star Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Fatih Akin, Atom Egoyan, Ildiko Enyedi, Andrew Haigh, Agnieszka Holland, Laura Poitras, Sandra Hüller, Sean Baker, Payal Kapadia and Ariane Labed. “We stand in full solidarity with Rasoulof’s demands and call upon the international film community to raise our voices against an Islamist dictatorship that systematically oppresses every aspect of their society’s lives.” “Rasoulof’s own words resonate deeply when he specifically considers his remaining colleagues: “Those who courageously and selflessly confront censorship instead of supporting it are reassured of the importance of their actions by the support of international film organizations.
As I know from personal experience, it can be an invaluable help for them to continue their vital work’.” Rasoulof is also behind “Goodbye,” “Manuscripts Don’t Burn” and “A Man of Integrity” – all awarded at Cannes.
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