Solidarity with the 'Women, Life, Freedom' Movement at the Venice Festival; Somayeh Haqnegahdar: The Struggle of the People of Iran Continues

The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA) announced its participation in a flash mob or special program at the Venice Film Festival that supports the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement in Iran. In its statement, the association said that this event is organized in collaboration with the Democratic Association of the People of Iran, aiming to raise awareness about the dire situation of imprisoned and oppressed Iranian filmmakers and artists. IFMA has invited directors, filmmakers, artists, and other prominent figures to participate in this event on Saturday, September 2. IFMA and the Democratic Association of the People of Iran also have a joint booth at the Venice Film Festival to provide more information regarding the current conditions in Iran. Somayeh Haqnegahdar, a member of IFMA, told Voice of America: 'Along with the members of the association and other filmmakers present on the red carpet, we will hold a banner with the names of imprisoned artists or those who are out on bail.' According to Ms. Haqnegahdar, they invite all filmmakers to sign this banner as a sign of support for the people of Iran. She further added: 'We demand the unconditional freedom of imprisoned artists, support from international media, and coverage of events in Iran, and through our presence at the IFMA booth, we will raise awareness about the mechanisms and goals of the association and the activities that have been carried out so far to introduce IFMA to the attendees.' Somayeh Haqnegahdar stated: 'The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran is an extension of the voice of the people of Iran on the eve of the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, reminding that nothing is over in Iran, no problem is solved, and the people demand fundamental changes in Iran.' According to Ms. Haqnegahdar, their entire effort at the Venice Festival is to draw global attention, especially from the filmmaking community, to the events in Iran and to emphasize that the struggles for freedom by the people continue. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran has been very active in recent months, and in addition to media discussions, it has introduced the works of independent and non-governmental filmmakers, especially young Iranian artists, at various film festivals including Berlin and Cannes. The Venice Film Festival announced on Friday, August 25, that it will organize a flash mob in solidarity with Iranian women and men fighting for 'freedom' and against 'ongoing repression' in the country, as well as filmmakers and artists who have been arrested or imprisoned by the Islamic Republic. It is expected that many filmmakers, artists, and prominent figures will participate in this event to draw the attention of governments, media, and public opinion worldwide to the current conditions in Iran and the freedom-seeking struggles of its people. A flash mob is generally described as a spontaneous gathering of a group, usually held at artistic events with the presence of artists and enthusiasts for a specific purpose or request, and has a supportive or critical aspect. The Venice Film Festival also held a similar program last year in support of Jafar Panahi, an Iranian dissident filmmaker, on the red carpet.