Interview with a Filmmaker Who Told Netanyahu That Iranians Do Not Need His Help for Freedom

Sepideh Farsi, an Iranian-French filmmaker, published a letter addressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the French newspaper 'Libération' titled 'Mr. Netanyahu, the people of Iran do not need your help to become free.' Currently in Peru for her filmmaking activities, Farsi's latest cinematic work, 'Perry Abadan,' is an animated feature that addresses the eight-year war between Iraq and Iran. In an interview with Radio Farda's Station 19, she warned about the dangers and consequences of war for Iran and the weakening of opposition to the regime. She states that the message of her letter is to distinguish between Hamas and Palestinians, Hezbollah and the people of Lebanon, the Islamic Republic and the people of Iran, and ultimately Benjamin Netanyahu, the far-right in Israel, and the people of that country. Farsi emphasizes that failing to make these distinctions has led to today's catastrophe. She explains that the headline of her article is a direct quote from her letter: 'Mr. Netanyahu! The people of Iran do not need your help to become free.' The reason for writing it was a video that Netanyahu recorded and published addressing the people of Iran, which she believes many have seen. Farsi expresses her long-standing concerns about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, the provocations from the Islamic Republic, and Netanyahu's warmongering, particularly as he seeks to open new fronts to maintain his power. She notes that a portion of the Iranian opposition welcomed Netanyahu's video, interpreting it as an intention to change the regime in Iran. Farsi argues that foreign military intervention has never successfully led to the establishment of democracy, and in fact, war typically worsens the situation. She expresses concern over the fragmentation within the Iranian community, especially abroad, where some believe military intervention could lead to the downfall of the Islamic Republic and the establishment of democracy in Iran. Farsi, who experienced the Iran-Iraq war as a teenager, emphasizes that her letter is also a response to those who place hope in figures like Netanyahu. She warns that the actions of both the Islamic Republic and Netanyahu are similar in that they provoke each other, leading to further conflict. Farsi insists that the focus should be on the Iranian people's struggle for democracy rather than on external military interventions. She clarifies that her letter targets Netanyahu specifically, as she finds his recent comments particularly provocative, suggesting a military intervention under the guise of humanitarian concern. Farsi doubts that Netanyahu will read or respond to her letter, but she believes it is important to voice these concerns and draw attention to the need for distinction between terrorist groups and the people of their respective countries. She concludes that the failure to make these distinctions has contributed to the current crisis.