Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association Participates in Cannes Festival with Works on 'Women, Life, Freedom'

The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IFMA) announced its participation in the Cannes Film Festival market through a statement. In this regard, Mahshid Zamani, a member of this association, told Voice of America that this presence focuses on 'reflecting the true image of Iranian society' and 'the impact of the Women, Life, Freedom movement on Iranian cinema.' This is the second year that IFMA has participated in this prestigious artistic event, representing independent Iranian cinema. The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association, as an organization that works to support and promote freedom of expression through cinema, has planned special programs for the Cannes Film Festival. These programs, which include film screenings, discussions, connections with experts and cinema professionals, and introductions to global distributors, provide a unique opportunity for Iranian filmmakers. Meanwhile, IFMA representatives will provide necessary information about independent Iranian cinema, its challenges, and achievements at their booth in the Cannes Film Market. Mahshid Zamani, a film critic and member of IFMA, stated to Voice of America: 'The events and screenings designed by IFMA at the Cannes Film Market emphasize reflecting the true image of Iranian society by independent Iranian filmmakers and the impact of the Women, Life, Freedom movement on Iranian cinema.' She added, 'We have had the honor of supporting and presenting some works of independent Iranian cinema over the past two years. This is a path that independent Iranian artists have taken under the influence of the Women, Life, Freedom movement; a path that is forward-looking and without the possibility of any regression or compromise with government censorship.' According to Ms. Zamani, the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association is eagerly awaiting the start of the Cannes Film Festival and is committed to supporting and promoting the works of independent Iranian filmmakers. The feature film 'Depth of Night' directed by Farhad Wilkij, and the short films 'Empty Your Pockets' by Tara Aghdashloo, 'Body' by Ashkan Mohammadi, and 'The Accused Did Not Express Regret' will be screened by IFMA at Cannes. 'Depth of Night' examines the financial and emotional struggles of an Iranian intellectual who, due to his opposition to the Islamic Republic, is forced to relocate to a remote area to write his new book. The other three short films reflect various aspects of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement in Iran and its impacts on society. Mahshid Zamani discussed the role and importance of IFMA's programs in raising awareness about the status of Iranian cinema at global festivals, stating: 'Our association has been very influential in this short time since its formation, meaning that in addition to supporting independent cinema, we have managed to neutralize the propaganda and advertisements of the Islamic government regarding filmmaking and the distorted image of Iranian society in their films at global festivals.' The Cannes Film Festival is set to begin next week, with Mohammad Rasoulof's film 'The Holy Fig Seed' participating in the main competition section. There is still no information about the subject, story, and how this film was made. However, it has been reported that the Islamic Republic has recently put significant pressure on Mohammad Rasoulof and his film crew to withdraw this work from the Cannes Festival. On Wednesday, the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association also condemned the judiciary's ruling regarding Mohammad Rasoulof in another statement. In the statement released by this association, it is stated that this ruling once again shows that the law in the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran is merely a tool for stubbornness and revenge against opponents. The statement criticizes the 'ruling authoritarianism' for suppressing artists, women, children, and protesters. It states that these oppressive actions are only meant to hide the regime's fears and maintain their declining power. The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association emphasizes that a government that suppresses and kills children and artists has no future and will soon collapse. This association also declares its solidarity with Mohammad Rasoulof and other artists who have been suppressed by the government and will support them. Mohammad Rasoulof is one of the most prominent critics of the Iranian regime and has been imprisoned multiple times for his anti-government statements. Although he has been banned from working and leaving the country for seven years, he secretly works and makes films underground in Iran. The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association: The Islamic Republic is afraid of 'freedom of art and expression.' Paying tribute to Iranian filmmakers banned from leaving the country to the pioneering women of the protest movement in Iran. Mahshid Zamani, a member of the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association: We are representing 'non-governmental Iranian cinema' at the Berlinale. Somayeh Haqnegahdar told Voice of America: The pressure of the Islamic Republic on artists aims to control and censor them. The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association: 'The Night Watchman' has been selected by an entity affiliated with the 'repressive regime of Iran.' Atefeh Khademalreza, creator of the animation 'Meteorite': The struggle of Iranian women inspired me. The presence of filmmakers in the 'Flash Mob' at the Venice Festival to support the people of Iran. The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association: Filmmakers are fighting against the repression of the Islamic Republic.