A collective of 30 film organizations, festivals, professionals, and freedom of speech NGOs has issued an open letter, urging Iranian authorities to drop all charges against directors Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha. The signatories of the letter include renowned entities such as the Berlinale, the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk, and PEN America. Moghadam and Sanaeeha, known for their acclaimed film “Ballad Of A White Cow,” have found themselves facing the wrath of Iran’s hardline Islamist regime due to their latest project, “My Favourite Cake.” The filmmakers were scheduled to travel to Paris for post-production work on the film, which explores the life of an aging woman who defies societal restrictions, but their passports were confiscated, and they were notified of impending charges related to the film.
In the open letter, the collective fervently appeals to the Iranian authorities to halt the relentless persecution of filmmakers, writers, artists, musicians, and all individuals who courageously express the aspirations, humanity, and dreams of the Iranian people. The letter highlights the urgent need for change, beginning with the case of Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghadam. Although the precise charges have not been communicated, it is believed that their latest film, “My Favourite Cake,” has deeply displeased the country’s hardline Islamist authorities.
Over the past two years, the Iranian government has embarked on a severe crackdown on dissent, leading to bans, arrests, and persecution of artists, writers, and cultural workers. This wave of suppression began prior to the emergence of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests and has only intensified since then. The authorities’ goal is to suppress the pro-democracy movement. The open letter highlights Iran’s status as the second-highest jailer of writers on PEN America’s 2022 Freedom To Write Index, with a particular focus on imprisoning female writers.
The letter cites several prominent cases to illustrate the gravity of the situation. It mentions director Saeed Roustayi, who received a six-month prison sentence for exhibiting his film “Leila’s Brothers” at Cannes in 2022 without permission, labeling it as “anti-regime propaganda activity.” The letter also draws attention to imprisoned journalist and Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi and rapper Saman Yasin, who claims to have endured torture while incarcerated. These examples underscore the oppressive climate in Iran, where creative minds are subjected to intimidation and persecution.
Artistic Contributions and Freedom of Expression
The collective emphasizes that filmmakers, writers, and artists play a pivotal role in establishing free and vibrant societies. They serve as catalysts for communication and collaboration, inspiring citizens to envision better futures based on new possibilities and ideas. Instead of suppressing these influential voices, governments should celebrate and elevate artists for their invaluable contributions to society.
Maryam Moghadam, who holds both Iranian and Swedish citizenship, has faced travel bans before, having been prohibited from leaving the country for two years following her lead role in Jafar Panahi’s 2013 clandestinely shot film “Closed Curtain.” In 2019, she was dismissed from a major Iranian film production under the orders of the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Moghadam responded to this act with a poignant open letter condemning the suppression of artistic freedom. Additionally, the directors were previously sued by the Revolutionary Guards for their film “Ballad of A White Cow,” which tells the harrowing story of a woman discovering her executed husband’s innocence. Although the charges were eventually dropped, the film remains banned in Iran.
The open letter and the collective’s plea for Iranian authorities to withdraw charges against Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, and to lift the travel ban, underscores the urgent need for change in Iran’s treatment of filmmakers and artists. The international film community, along with freedom of speech organizations, has come together to support the directors and condemn the relentless persecution of creative individuals. It is imperative that governments recognize the irreplaceable contributions artists make to society and ensure their well-being and freedom of expression.