Iran has slapped Palme d'Or-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi with a one-year prison sentence and travel ban for allegedly engaging in "propaganda activities" against the state. The 65-year-old director, who was absent from the country at the time of the sentencing, is also barred from membership of any political or social groups.
Panahi's Cannes win last month was hailed by Iranian media as a major triumph for the filmmaker, but it appears his success has not gone unnoticed by authorities. Last year, he dispatched a documentary to the festival on a flash drive hidden in a cake, a bold move that highlighted the ongoing tensions between artists and the state.
Panahi's history with Iran's authorities is well-documented. In 2010, he was banned from making films and leaving the country after supporting mass anti-government protests and releasing several documentaries critical of the Iranian regime. He served six years in jail but only spent two months behind bars before being released on bail.
Despite these challenges, Panahi has continued to make films that critique modern Iran, including "Taxi", which was shot entirely from inside a car. His latest film, also Oscar-hopeful, is widely expected to do well at the Academy Awards.
The sentencing of Panahi serves as a reminder of the ongoing restrictions on artistic expression in Iran. The country's authorities closely monitor Iranian filmmakers and media figures, reviewing their work for any content deemed critical of the state. Last year, renowned director Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran to avoid a prison sentence on charges of "collusion against national security".
Panahi's Cannes win last month was hailed by Iranian media as a major triumph for the filmmaker, but it appears his success has not gone unnoticed by authorities. Last year, he dispatched a documentary to the festival on a flash drive hidden in a cake, a bold move that highlighted the ongoing tensions between artists and the state.
Panahi's history with Iran's authorities is well-documented. In 2010, he was banned from making films and leaving the country after supporting mass anti-government protests and releasing several documentaries critical of the Iranian regime. He served six years in jail but only spent two months behind bars before being released on bail.
Despite these challenges, Panahi has continued to make films that critique modern Iran, including "Taxi", which was shot entirely from inside a car. His latest film, also Oscar-hopeful, is widely expected to do well at the Academy Awards.
The sentencing of Panahi serves as a reminder of the ongoing restrictions on artistic expression in Iran. The country's authorities closely monitor Iranian filmmakers and media figures, reviewing their work for any content deemed critical of the state. Last year, renowned director Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran to avoid a prison sentence on charges of "collusion against national security".
he's already been through so much just because he speaks truth to power and makes movies that challenge the status quo. A one-year prison sentence and travel ban? That's totally unacceptable! The fact that they're trying to silence him now, after his Oscar win, is just ridiculous 
. I mean, you'd think the Iranian authorities would be all like "oh cool, we've got a famous filmmaker on our side" but nope, instead they're out to get him 
.
. It's like they think art is supposed to be propaganda or something 
. Newsflash: art is about expressing yourself and telling your story, not about serving some politician's agenda.
. His latest film better win that Oscar, just so we can show the world what's going on in Iran 
. I mean, what even is the point of having a film festival if you're not gonna let people express themselves freely? 
it's just so... disheartening.
is it possible that the authorities just really love cake? 
i mean, who needs artistic freedom when you can have a good dessert? anyway, kudos to Panahi for still finding ways to make his films despite all the drama... and also major props to Rasoulof for being like "screw it, i'm outta here" when faced with similar circumstances. guess that's one way to avoid a prison sentence 
. The fact that Iran still has these restrictions on artistic expression is just ridiculous... it's like they're trying to suffocate creativity 
. And Rasoulof fleeing the country because of charges? That's not a coincidence, that's a pattern 
. It's only going to get worse if we don't speak out against this kinda oppression 
its been years but nothin seems to change they still dont allow ppl to express themselves freely like thats what art is all about 
And now, he's facing another year behind bars just for doing his job as a filmmaker? It's like the government is trying to silence him before his next film hits the screens. 
- I mean, Panahi has just won a major award and they're basically saying "oh, you think that means you can speak freely?" 