A Number of Iranian Filmmakers Boycott Hassan Rouhani's Iftar Ceremony

A number of prominent Iranian filmmakers have announced in a protest action that they will not attend the iftar party of Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, scheduled for Wednesday night, June 9. Among the artists who have declared their decision through protest texts on social media are Mahnaz Afshar, Parviz Parastoui, Anahita Hemmati, Maziar Miry, Barzou Arjmand, Sheila Khodadad, Sara Bahrami, Parastoo Golestani, Ehsan Karami, and Flor Nazari. These artists have cited economic and social problems in Iran and the lack of attention to these issues as reasons for their absence, using the hashtag "We will not go to the iftar." This action comes at a time when many Iranian artists and filmmakers were among those who supported Hassan Rouhani in the 2017 presidential election. However, during Rouhani's second term, their criticisms have increased due to unfulfilled promises by the Iranian president. Mahnaz Afshar tweeted to Rouhani, suggesting that instead of him, he should invite Atena Daemi, a human rights activist and political prisoner, who has recently turned 30 in Qarchak prison and is currently in Evin prison. Afshar added that Daemi is "not a criminal, just someone who has fought for human rights in this land." Parviz Parastoui also wrote on his Instagram that given the poor economic and mental conditions of the people, he believes such gatherings, which require significant expenses, may not be necessary. He pointed out that Rouhani's goal for this gathering is to hear the voices and express the problems of the artistic community, but recent experiences have shown that Rouhani is already aware of these issues. Parastoui requested that Rouhani understand the artists' refusal of the invitation and noted that if he were not president, the opportunity to express opinions might have been filtered. Barzou Arjmand, Maziar Miry, and Ehsan Karami also announced their non-participation in the iftar. Anahita Hemmati stated that in conditions where people are struggling with poverty and even the slightest protest is suppressed, she does not consider her presence at the president's iftar appropriate. Parastoo Golestani mentioned that when our people live in hardship and some have empty suhoor tables, these iftars do not sit well with her. Sheila Khodadad asked Rouhani what help they can provide and sarcastically questioned whether the invitation to artists was to make the people's tables smaller or to ignore the issues of vulnerable children. Khodadad expressed her grievances as a member of the artistic community and stated that she would not participate in the gathering because she wants to look her fellow citizens in the eye on Thursday morning without shame. Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, Rouhani's government spokesman, responded to the boycott by acknowledging that those who supported them are making such statements. He added that the government has made every effort to grow the economy but questioned what more the government could have done. Nobakht mentioned that the government has increased average salaries by 10 percent and spent over 97 trillion tomans on social welfare. He responded to the artists' protests about the economic situation by stating that the people's tables were fuller last year than they are now. The boycott of Rouhani's iftar has been covered by opposition media and those close to the Revolutionary Guards, and some Hezbollah activists on social media have used this issue to criticize the artists' support for Rouhani in the two presidential elections. Farid Ebrahimi, one of these individuals, wrote that a number of actors who had their avatars with Rouhani until 1400 (2021) are now boycotting this year's iftar. He sarcastically asked what they should be called now, "friends of a quarter of the way?" Sadegh Nikoo also commented that the boycott of Rouhani's iftar and the free speech of Sahar Mehrabi in the presence of Ali Khamenei only has one analysis: reformists, if they seek a listening ear, will turn to the leader's office! Nothing will come from Rouhani. This refers to remarks made by Sahar Mehrabi, a representative of responsible managers in the Central Council overseeing university publications, who stated that the inability to practically investigate certain institutions under his supervision, such as the Revolutionary Guards, the judiciary, state media, the Foundation of the Oppressed, and the Executive Headquarters of Imam Khomeini, is "problematic." These statements led many Hezbollah activists on social media to praise the Supreme Leader and his approach, which they called a desire for "frankness." Some supporters of the government and the opposition have also criticized the actions of some artists, labeling them as "self-promoters" and urging them to refuse any invitation to Khamenei's iftar. Azadeh Namdari, an Iranian television presenter who had previously faced serious criticism for removing her hijab abroad while promoting the chador domestically, also criticized the artists' actions. She described this action as "superficial thinking" and "populism," stating that it is not right for Hassan Rouhani to carry the "fatigue" of trying to remain in the JCPOA. Her comments faced severe backlash from social media users, who accused her of "populism" due to her differing appearances inside and outside the country.