Esteemed Iranian filmmaker, Saeed Roustaee, has received a six-month prison sentence following the screening of his latest film at the Cannes International Film Festival, as revealed by local news outlets.
Roustaee showcased “Leila’s Brothers,” a compelling narrative about a struggling family in Tehran, vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes. However, the accolade went to Ruben Ostlund’s “Triangle of Sadness.”
Roustaee and the producer of “Leila’s Brother,” Javad Noruzbegi, were penalized with six months of imprisonment for showcasing the movie and allegedly “aiding in spreading oppositional propaganda against the Islamic administration,” as cited by Iranian media sources. Both individuals are expected to serve approximately nine days behind bars, with the rest of their term suspended for a span of five years, as informed by the AFP. Furthermore, they will face a temporary ban from filmmaking during this timeframe.
The sentencing has sparked a wave of international outrage. Prominently, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese voiced his concerns, promoting a petition initiated by his daughter, Francesca Scorsese. Both Scorsese’s and the petition’s messages echoed the same sentiment: “Please sign and spread this appeal for justice… so his impactful presence remains in the world. His voice must resonate.”
Iranian authorities previously prohibited “Leila’s Brothers” due to alleged unauthorized participation in international festivals, as stated by the AFP.
Despite the official censure, “Leila’s Brothers” has been lauded globally. Besides its Cannes nominations, the film clinched two awards there and a nomination for Best International Film at the Munich International Film Festival.
Iran’s history of detaining filmmakers isn’t new. In a preceding instance, distinguished director Jafar Panahi faced arrest after expressing concern about the incarceration of two directorial peers. They had been apprehended post voicing dissent against aggressive security actions in the aftermath of a tragic building catastrophe. Human Rights Watch labelled such detainments as a renewed clampdown on nonviolent opposition.
Tara Sepehri Far, a leading researcher on Iran at Human Rights Watch, commented on the matter, “With the administration’s seeming incapacity or reluctance to address Iran’s multifaceted issues, they’ve fallen back on suppressing prominent critics. These recent arrests seem like calculated strategies to quell widespread discontent with governmental inadequacies.”
Panahi secured his release in February after embarking on a two-day hunger strike.
The global film community continues to rally in solidarity with artists who face suppression and persecution. While the spotlight remains on Roustaee’s case, his situation sheds light on broader issues regarding freedom of expression in Iran. As filmmakers around the world navigate challenges both in production and political landscapes, the hope remains that art can serve as a bridge to understanding and as a beacon of hope in even the most challenging circumstances.
