Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran at Venice Festival; Mahshid Zamani: The Goal is to Raise Awareness about the Situation of Iranian Artists Under Repression

The 81st Venice International Film Festival opened on Wednesday, September 7, in Italy, with no Iranian films present in the main competitive section. This trend has continued since the recent nationwide protests in Iran, as prestigious global festivals are not welcoming government-backed Iranian cinema. The Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran (IFMA) is organizing a flash mob on the eve of the second anniversary of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement at the Venice Film Festival. This event, scheduled for Thursday, September 15 (September 5), is organized in collaboration with the 'Democratic Association of Iranians-Venice,' and according to Mahshid Zamani, a member of IFMA, its goal is to raise awareness about the painful situation of Iranian filmmakers and artists under repression. Ms. Zamani told Voice of America: 'Last year was a bitter year for Iranian cinema. The murder of five filmmakers, imprisonments, work bans, travel bans, and other harsh sentences issued by illegitimate courts for members of the Iranian artistic community reflect the endless terror of the government regarding freedom of expression.' According to Mahshid Zamani, IFMA has invited filmmakers, artists, and prominent figures to participate in this event, which will take place near the entrance of the festival, in protest against the oppression and repression prevailing in Iran, and to continue the demand for the release of all political prisoners and the abolition of the death penalty. She adds that the Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran and the Democratic Association of Iranians-Venice will welcome artists and filmmakers at their joint booth, where interested individuals can sign a banner of solidarity with independent and freedom-seeking Iranian filmmakers. Mahshid Zamani discusses the absence of films made by Iranian governmental institutions at prestigious festivals like Venice, stating: 'Undoubtedly, the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' uprising and the solidarity created in the international community with Iranians play the most important role in eliminating the presence of state-sponsored art at festivals.' She emphasizes that the efforts of independent filmmakers and artists to convey this message to the global artistic community have also played a significant role in creating this change. Regarding the new approach of film festivals towards the officials of the Islamic Republic, Ms. Zamani states that the main message is that 'the dye of their propaganda no longer holds!' She points out that experience has shown that the Iranian regime will do anything for survival and propaganda, and it is unclear what the government's next move will be—whether it will ease pressure on independent filmmakers or attempt to co-opt independent cinema for itself. Mahshid Zamani stresses that at this stage, the vigilance of independent filmmakers is crucial, and they must strive to maintain their independence without incurring heavy costs, which is undoubtedly a challenging path. She notes that the current increase in independent filmmaking in Iran is a glimmer of hope for navigating this difficult path. Alberto Barbera, the president of the 80th Venice Film Festival, Jane Campion, and Saleh Bakri, members of the festival's jury, participated in last year's flash mob in solidarity with the people of Iran. Ms. Zamani discusses the importance of screening independent Iranian cinema and its characteristics, stating: 'A camera that does not depict the common lie of the image of Iranian women under mandatory hijab is a powerful and honorable camera, and the real image that these artists' cameras present of the people of Iran is the most important achievement of this cinema.' She adds that these are images and works that, without any superfluous words and without political bias, nullify over 40 years of government propaganda. At the 81st Venice Festival, films such as 'Witness' by Nader Saei-Vor, 'Boomerang' directed by Shahab Fotouhi, and 'Anywhere and Anytime' by Milad Tangshir are among the non-governmental Iranian works that will be screened in side sections. Ali Asgari, an Iranian filmmaker, is also one of the judges in the Horizons section of the Venice Festival. The Independent Filmmakers' Association criticizes the 'blatant insult' from the medical community: their clenched fists fall on the mouths of the people of Iran. Mohammad Rasoulof, after receiving the special jury prize at Cannes: The people of Iran have been taken hostage by the Islamic Republic. The Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran: The Islamic Republic is afraid of 'freedom of art and expression.' Somayeh Haqnegahdar told Voice of America: The pressure of the Islamic Republic on artists aims to control and censor them. The five-year prison sentence of Mohammad Sadeghi, an actor opposed to mandatory hijab, has been confirmed. Ali Asgari, director of 'Earthly Verses,' has been banned from leaving the country and prohibited from cinematic activities. The Independent Filmmakers' Association of Iran: Supporting nameless young filmmakers in Iran is essential.