Iranian filmmakers have united in penning an open letter to their friends and colleagues across the film industry, requesting their support in defending the rights of Iran’s people.
The letter is in response to Mahsa, 22 years old, who was taken into custody for not wearing her hijab as required by government standards.
The letter said:
Dear Friends and Colleagues
Brave Iranians marched across Iran shouting “woman, life, liberty”For the past week, we have been under constant, violent, and sometimes deadly attack by the oppressive powers.
The Iranian government has restricted internet usage and blocked access to social media platforms in order to further suppress people’s voices. The Iranian government had previously implemented similar measures in 2019. In 2019, 1500 people were killed. These independent Iranian filmmakers stand by the brave Iranian women and men. They are working hard to capture and document history with the limited resources they have.
They are determined to be the truthful and independent historians of history. To be the voice for the people. Over the years, the Iranian government has used censorship at home and repression abroad to support freedom. We now appeal to all filmmakers around the world to show solidarity with Iranians. This sends a clear message for all warmongers.
We ask that you continue to echo the cries for freedom from Iranians. You can be the voice of freedom-fighting people. Your public and direct support can bring hope to the youths.
Shirin Neshat (Zar Amir Ebrahimi), Pegah Ahanarani, Bahman Gobadi, Abdolreza Kahani and Ali Ahmadzadeh signed the letter.
The European Film Academy responded. The Academy’s chairman, Irish producer/novelist Mike Downey said:
“The European Film Academy stands in full support of the Iranian film makers protesting against the current wave suppression spreading throughout Iran. In Tehran, there have been ongoing clashes between Iranian police officers and anti-government protesters. This is the worst unrest in years.
“The film industry and documentarians are being fearless in their attempts to record the crackdowns. Iran is now subject to the most severe internet restrictions seen since mass anti-government erupted in November 2019. We abhor censorship in all its forms and fully support Iranian film makers fighting for survival in a climate of terrible repression.”
Police reported that Mahsa was in cardiac arrest at a station, and she died two days later. Eyewitnesses and women who witnessed the incident at the time claimed that she had been severely beaten. Amini’s death resulted in a series of large-scale protests across the country which brought international attention.