International Coalition of Filmmakers at Risk Calls for Lifting Travel Ban on Mohammad Rasoulof

The international coalition "Filmmakers at Risk" has issued a statement urging the Iranian government to lift the travel ban on renowned filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, who is currently not allowed to leave the country. The coalition called on all cinematic and cultural organizations worldwide to join this campaign in support of Rasoulof. In a statement titled "Free Mohammad Rasoulof!", the coalition demands that the Iranian authorities revoke the travel ban on Rasoulof. Rasoulof, who has a long-standing relationship with the Cannes Film Festival, last won the Best Film award in the "Un Certain Regard" section in 2017 for his film "The Lord". The 50-year-old director is one of the most prominent critics of the Iranian regime and has been imprisoned multiple times for his anti-government statements. He has been banned from working and traveling for the past six years, although he continues to work secretly and underground in Iran. Rasoulof confirmed this news, stating that Iranian officials have not provided any reasons for this decision. Rasoulof and fellow filmmaker Jafar Panahi were imprisoned in Evin Prison just days apart before the "Women, Life, Freedom" protests. Rasoulof and Mustafa Al-Ahmad, another filmmaker, were arrested for signing an online petition condemning the crackdown on protests, while Panahi was detained after visiting Evin Prison to protest their arrests. A few days prior, Jafar Panahi, Rasoulof's friend and collaborator, left Iran for the first time in 14 years on a week-long trip to France to see his daughter and then returned to Iran. Kaveh Farnam commented on the continuation of Rasoulof's travel ban, stating it reflects the "fear of the regime". Farnam also praised the courage of artists who refuse to accept mandatory dress codes. The travel ban on Jafar Panahi has been lifted after 14 years, while Katayoun Riahi and Golab Adineh visited the Pirfalak family without mandatory hijab.