Independent Filmmakers Association: Celebrating Cinema Day in Today's Ruined City of Iranian Cinema is 'Offensive'

The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA) issued a statement on the occasion of September 12, National Cinema Day in Iran. The statement reads: 'In today's ruined city of Iranian cinema, congratulating Cinema Day is not only ironic but offensive.' The current conditions in Iran are described as a 'nightmarish era,' noting that 'according to the Cinema House, after the Mahsa movement, over 300 filmmakers have had legal cases opened against them, and the passports of cinema professionals inside and outside the country are not only not renewed but are also confiscated.' The statement continues: 'In a situation where the basic rights of filmmakers are violated and contradictory rulings and laws keep filmmakers confined in their homes and trapped in their own country, praising national cinema is akin to a farce that portrays the new presidential term as a dark, bitter, and absurd black comedy.' IFMA concludes the statement by congratulating filmmakers who stand firmly for the principles of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, stating that they celebrate 'not only Cinema Day but also Humanity Day.' This statement comes as Rasoul Sadr-Ameli, CEO of the Cinema House, mentioned in a press conference on Monday that due to the current conditions in Iranian cinema, this year's Cinema House celebration will not be held, and they will only conduct side programs to commemorate National Cinema Day. He noted that since the onset of recent nationwide protests in Iran, hundreds of filmmakers have been barred from artistic activities for various reasons. Sadr-Ameli added that there are over 300 open legal cases against Iranian filmmakers that have yet to reach a conclusion. Meanwhile, despite the announcement of the 'lifting of exit bans' on Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeiha, a filmmaking couple in Iran, Ms. Moghadam revealed on her Instagram account that her passport had been confiscated again, and she and her husband are once again banned from leaving the country. On Wednesday, September 12, Maryam Moghadam posted a picture of her passport confiscation receipt, stating: 'Yesterday, while I wanted to go see my family in Sweden after a long time and perhaps attend the screening of our film, my passport was confiscated again at the airport, and they said that Behtash and I are once again banned from leaving.' Maryam Moghadam, an Iranian filmmaker, faced an exit ban from the country due to making and screening the independent film 'My Favorite Cake' alongside her husband Behtash Sanaeiha. The repeated confiscation of the passports of the makers of 'My Favorite Cake'; Maryam Moghadam to politicians: 'You are drowning society in a swamp of lies.' Reactions to the award given to the film 'Witness' at Venice; Somayeh Haqnegahdar: A significant success for independent Iranian cinema. Screening of 'Witness' by Nader Saei-Vor at the Venice Festival; a film made without adhering to mandatory hijab laws in Iran. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran at the Venice Festival; Mahshid Zamani: The goal is to raise awareness about the situation of Iranian artists under repression. Criminal charges against Baran Kowsari and Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami for not wearing mandatory hijab. Reactions to the selection of the film 'Fig Seed of Temples' as Germany's representative at the Oscars; Hamed Soleiman-Zadeh: Very important. Afsaneh Bayegan was fined and banned from leaving Iran for 'publishing obscene images.' Pantea Bahram was banned from teaching and activities by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.