Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
🔴 Breaking ❓ Unknown

Body of a Protest Filmmaker Found at Home; Iman Pourgholizadeh Arrested During Protests

Apr 28, 2026 April 28, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

Iman Pourgholizadeh, a filmmaker arrested during the 1401 protests, was found dead at his home, following the suspicious death of another filmmaker, Bahareh Lalehi. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran has linked these deaths to a broader pattern of violence against artists by the government. This situation highlights the ongoing repression of dissent in Iran's artistic community.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The deaths of filmmakers signal a troubling trend of violence against artists in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Iman Pourgholizadeh (ایمان پورغلیزاده) TARGET
Filmmaker
"The lifeless body of Iman Pourgholizadeh... has been found at his home."
Bahareh Lalehi (بهره لالهی) AFFECTED
Director and Screenwriter
"The suspicious death of Bahareh Lalehi... sparked widespread reactions."
Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (انجمن فیلم‌سازان مستقل ایران) ACTOR
Filmmakers Association
"The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran issued a statement linking her death."
Dariush Mehrjui (داریوش مهرجویی) LINKED
Filmmaker
"linking her death to the 'brutal murder of Dariush Mehrjui and Vahideh Mohammadi Far'."
Vahideh Mohammadi Far (وحیده محمدی‌فر) LINKED
Filmmaker
"linking her death to the 'brutal murder of Dariush Mehrjui and Vahideh Mohammadi Far'."
Kiomars Pourahmad (کیومرث پوراحمد) LINKED
Filmmaker
"linking her death to the 'suicide of Kiomars Pourahmad'."

⚡ Actions

Iranian government ARREST Iman Pourgholizadeh
"Iman Pourgholizadeh was among the protesting filmmakers who were arrested during the government's crackdown."
Confidence: 90%
House of Cinema ANNOUNCE Iman Pourgholizadeh
"The House of Cinema announced... that the funeral and burial ceremony for Iman Pourgholizadeh will be held."
Confidence: 90%
Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran LINK Bahareh Lalehi, Kiomars Pourahmad, Dariush Mehrjui, Vahideh Mohammadi Far
"The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran issued a statement linking her death to the 'suicide of Kiomars Pourahmad'."
Confidence: 80%

📰 What Happened

Iman Pourgholizadeh's body found after protests; Bahareh Lalehi's suspicious death sparks outrage.

  • Iranian government arrest Iman Pourgholizadeh
  • House of Cinema announce Iman Pourgholizadeh
  • Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran link Bahareh Lalehi, Kiomars Pourahmad, Dariush Mehrjui, Vahideh Mohammadi Far

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Because it highlights the dangers faced by filmmakers and artists in Iran.
🌍 Regional: Because it raises concerns about human rights abuses in Iran.
🌐 International: Because it draws attention to the Iranian government's crackdown on dissent.

📚 Background

The deaths of filmmakers signal a troubling trend of violence against artists in Iran.

📝 Key Evidence

"The lifeless body of Iman Pourgholizadeh... has been found at his home."
→ Iman Pourgholizadeh's death is linked to the protests.
📡 Source: INDEPENDENT
📊 Confidence: 80%
VOA Persian provides coverage on human rights issues in Iran.

News sources reported on Tuesday that the lifeless body of Iman Pourgholizadeh, a filmmaker who was arrested during the nationwide protests of 1401, has been found at his home. The news of Iman Pourgholizadeh's death comes after the suspicious death of Bahareh Lalehi, a director and screenwriter, sparked widespread reactions in recent days. The House of Cinema announced on Tuesday, the 4th of Tir, that the funeral and burial ceremony for Iman Pourgholizadeh will be held on the morning of Wednesday, the 5th of Tir, in the Artists' section of Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran. Iman Pourgholizadeh was among the protesting filmmakers who were arrested during the government's crackdown on the nationwide protests of 1401. He had worked as an assistant director, cinematographer, lighting technician, and editor on films such as 'The Last Queen of Earth', 'And Again Love', 'Earring', and 'Do Not Let the Door Close'. In previous days, following the news of the discovery of Bahareh Lalehi's lifeless body, the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran issued a statement linking her death to the 'suicide of Kiomars Pourahmad', the 'brutal murder of Dariush Mehrjui and Vahideh Mohammadi Far', and also to the 'serial murders of filmmakers'. Some news sources reported that Bahareh Lalehi, who had been arrested, was killed in prison and secretly buried in Behesht Sekineh Cemetery in Karaj. Additionally, see: Reactions to the possibility of Bahareh Lalehi being 'killed' in custody: 'The children of Iranian cinema have been put to sleep'. According to previous reports, Arash Farouzandeh, a filmmaker, and Mohsen Jafari Rad, a film critic, died suspiciously shortly after being temporarily released. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran: The Islamic Republic is responsible for the loss of Bahareh Lalehi's life. Kiomars Pourahmad's daughter denied his suicide: 'My father had many plans to execute but felt the danger'. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran: The Islamic Republic is afraid of 'freedom of art and expression'. Accused of the murder of Mehrjui and Mohammadi Far: I confessed under duress. Prince Reza Pahlavi, referring to the murder of Dariush Mehrjui and Vahideh Mohammadi Far: shows signs of government killings.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →