Production of 'Cabaret' Halted; Kaveh Farnam: The Islamic Republic's Goal is 'Intimidation'

Iranian domestic media reported the halt of the production of the film 'Cabaret' due to the lack of 'necessary permits'. According to these media, 'Cabaret' was being produced underground in the country at the request and investment of an expatriate Iranian. According to Tasnim News Agency, Kaveh Farnam, an Iranian producer residing in Europe, was in charge of this project, which had started 'without adhering to norms and standards, and with the unveiling of female actors'. This government-affiliated news agency also stated that several prominent Iranian filmmakers participated in the production of this film; artists who were referred to by initials 'F.M', 'A.M', and 'N.J'. The news agency close to the IRGC wrote: 'The main role was played by the veteran actress, 'F.M', without wearing a hijab.' Tasnim claimed that the film was directed by 'M.K' and produced by 'S.J'. Kaveh Farnam, an Iranian filmmaker who has produced several films by Mohammad Rasoulof and is a member of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran, rejected the claims of Iranian government media in a statement sent to Voice of America. According to Farnam, 'The news and propaganda of the Islamic Republic's censorship apparatus regarding the confiscation of the film 'Cabaret' is clearly aimed at instilling fear among filmmakers.' He further condemned any form of censorship, repression, and threats against artists, emphasizing that 'he has had no collaboration as a producer or investor in this cinematic project.' Kaveh Farnam concluded by stating: 'It is obvious that I consider supporting any independent filmmaker as my professional and civil duty and I will not hesitate to support them.' This Iranian filmmaker mentioned that he will provide further explanations in the near future. 'Cabaret' tells the story of a woman who worked in a cabaret but lost her job after the 1979 Revolution and faced many difficulties. According to Iranian domestic media, this film was produced with the aim of presenting a bleak image of the situation of Iranians in the years following the revolution, and its goal was to disrupt social peace in collaboration with Western security agencies. Following widespread protests in Iran and the support of many filmmakers for the protesters, the Islamic Republic has intensified its crackdown on protesting artists and their supporters. In recent months, several filmmakers have been arrested, imprisoned, and banned from working, and some still do not have the right to leave the country. Government officials have repeatedly threatened these protesting filmmakers, demanding their removal from films, series, and domestic artistic projects.