The Islamic Republic of Iran sentenced filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof to eight years in prison just before the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Rasourov’s lawyer Babak Paknia shared with X that his client was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Islamic Revolutionary Court. His punishments include flogging, fines, and confiscation of property.
“According to the judgment issued by the 29th Branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Court, a sentence of 8 years imprisonment (up from 5 years), caning, fines, and confiscation of property. This sentence was confirmed by the 36th Branch of the Aina Court of Appeal, and the case is currently pending. has been transferred to carry out the sentence.” Paknia wrote.
Paknia said the sentence stems from the fact that the filmmakers “signed a statement and produced a film or documentary. In the court’s view, these acts are an example of conspiracy with the intent to commit crimes against national security.” There is,” he said.
according to variety, Rasoulof was jailed by Iranian authorities in July 2022 after posting an appeal calling on Iranian security forces to stop using weapons during protests sparked by building collapses in the southwestern city of Abadan. He was released in February 2023 for health reasons. ”
“Previously, Rasoulof was not allowed by Iranian authorities to attend the 2020 Berlinale. That year, the director’s daughter and lead actor Baran Rasulov evil does not exist, I picked up a golden bear,” he added. “Last May, Rasoulof was banned from leaving Iran to serve as a member of the Cannes Film Festival “Un Certain Regard” jury.
File/Iranian holds up the trophy on behalf of Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who won the “Best Picture Bear Award” at the awards ceremony of the 70th Berlinale Film Festival held in Berlin on February 29, 2020. Producer Kave Farnum. (Tobias Schwartz/AFP via Getty Images)
Prior to his sentencing, Iranian authorities had mounted intense pressure. seeds and sacred figsPaknia said the government had repeatedly harassed the film’s producers and pressured Rasulov to withdraw from the Cannes Film Festival.
“Some of the film’s cast members were barred from leaving the venue and, according to their statements, after several hours of interrogation, they were asked to request that the director exclude the film from the Cannes Film Festival.” Paknia said.
As of this writing, the Cannes Film Festival has not released a statement. Distributor Kino Lorber said it was “appalled” by the news.
“We are appalled by the news of Mohammad Rasoulof’s brutal sentence at the hands of Iran’s hardline government. We are proud to have distributed his film. evil does not exist and The manuscript cannot be burnedBoth exhibit incredible artistic courage.”
“We strongly condemn all acts of censorship and join the international film community in supporting Rasoulof, his collaborators, and all Iranian artists who are producing important works under repressive conditions.” added.
We are appalled by the news of Mohammad Rasoulof’s brutal sentence at the hands of Iran’s hardline government.
We are proud to have distributed his films There Is No Evil and Manuscripts Don’t Burn. Both works display incredible artistic courage.
We strongly condemn… pic.twitter.com/4KX9iioTI
— Kino Lorber (@KinoLorber) May 8, 2024
Director Paul Roland Bois Award-winning Christian technology thriller, exampleYou can watch it for free. YouTube or Tubi. “Better than Flower Moon’s killer.” Mark Judge wrote. “I’ve never seen a story like this before.” Christian Toto wrote. You can also stream rentals in high quality and without ads. google play, Vimeo On Demand, or YouTube movies. Follow X @prolandfilms or instagram @prolandfilms.
