IFMA's Request to the Academy Awards to Pay Attention to Independent Iranian Cinema

The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran (IFMA) has issued a statement continuing its efforts to support non-governmental cinema in Iran, calling on the Academy Awards to pay attention to the works of independent Iranian filmmakers. The statement mentions that 'the success of three independent Iranian films at the 2024 Chicago International Film Festival is evidence of the profound impact of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement on Iranian cinema and global festivals.' It further states that 'the recent achievements of independent Iranian cinema demonstrate how the courage, resilience, and creativity of Iranian artists have rendered the oppressive and false narratives of the Islamic regime ineffective.' IFMA congratulated the creators of the films 'My Favorite Cake,' 'Temple Fig Seed,' and 'My Stolen Planet,' emphasizing that 'now is the time for the Academy Awards, alongside other global cinema institutions, to move in this direction and change its policies so that the Farabi Foundation can no longer monopolistically introduce representatives of Iranian cinema to the Academy by excluding independent cinema.' Mahshid Zamani, a member of IFMA, told Voice of America about the recent efforts of this association: 'After Women, Life, Freedom, the dynamics of filmmaking in Iran and the interaction of Iranian cinema with the international community have fundamentally changed. Therefore, IFMA has sought to be the voice of the Iranian people and independent filmmakers from the very beginning of the movement by corresponding with film festivals worldwide, and for this reason, has written letters to the Academy in various situations, the texts of which have been published in Persian and English media.' She adds that despite international media attention to this issue, IFMA has not yet received a direct response from the Academy regarding its three open letters, other than automated replies. Ms. Zamani emphasizes that the current method of the Oscars for selecting a representative from non-democratic countries like the Islamic Republic of Iran is ineffective and needs to change. She adds that in addition to underground films made without permission, some films in these non-democratic countries are even banned from screening after receiving distribution licenses. Mahshid Zamani states: 'The fact that the Oscars request film nominations from the cinematic foundations of such governments based on their outdated and ineffective law has only two meanings: one, they are unaware of the unfair situation of independent filmmakers living and working in such governments, and two, if they are aware, it is not important enough for them to add a clause to their process.' She recalls that the Oscars were initially limited to American works, but in the 1950s, a section titled 'Best Foreign Film' was added, which over time was renamed 'Best International Film.' Ms. Zamani explains that the Academy usually reacts slowly to cultural changes in the world and must reconsider its selection of films from non-democratic countries like the Islamic Republic of Iran, China, and Russia. Mahshid Zamani continues: 'I understand the sensitivity of the issue and the difficulty of changing the process in an extensive and century-old institution like the Oscars, but as I mentioned, a complex solution is not necessary; even a one-year pause in the Oscars' interaction with Farabi could help establish an independent committee to review independent and even non-independent films and send a representative of Iranian cinema to the Oscars a year later.' She reminds that 'the reason I mentioned even non-independent cinema is simple: excluding a group from participating in any competition is not a democratic method, and the Oscars, by excluding independent Iranian cinema, are playing into the hands of non-democratic governments, but an independent committee for reviewing Iranian films for the Oscars would be an inclusive rather than an exclusive method.' In another part of its statement, IFMA says that 'the propaganda of the Islamic regime in Iran, which once worked, can no longer deceive the global community after the genuine movement of the Iranian people. The untold stories that modern independent Iranian cinema tells the world will change the world's perspective on cinema and Iranian society.' The statement adds that 'the voices of these brave artists deserve to be heard, and it is the responsibility of IFMA and any other independent cinema association to support and promote them on this path. IFMA believes that together we can create a vision for Iranian cinema that reflects the spirit of freedom and creativity of Iranian filmmakers.' This year, the film 'In the Arms of the Tree' by Babak Khajeh Pasha has been selected as the representative of Iranian cinema for the international Oscars, while the film 'Temple Fig Seed' directed by the renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof is competing in this global event on behalf of Germany.