The Iranian Independent Film Producers Association (IIFMA) called on the international community to take “immediate action” to prevent further bloodshed in the country.
Weeks of crackdowns on anti-government protests in Iran are feared to have left thousands dead.
IIFMA announced that a number of filmmakers and artists were affected, including actor Ahmad Abbasi and director Javad Ganji, who were killed during the protests on January 9 and 10.
IIFMA said in a statement that it was “deeply concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Iran,” adding that “the Islamic regime’s brutal acts have escalated to alarming levels.”
“A new Tiananmen tragedy is forming before our eyes, tenfold in scale. There is an urgent need to respond to the Iranian people’s call for help and prevent further bloodshed. The time for action is now,” IIFA said.
IIFMA’s comments follow a January 10 statement by Iran’s Principal Directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof highlighting repressive measures by the Iranian government.
Elsewhere, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and film director Mohsen Makhmalbaf have also written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to “stand against institutions of oppression and stop the continued killing of people seeking dignity, justice and freedom.”
IIFMA also called on parliamentarians and embassies to open internet access in Tehran so that residents living near embassy buildings can connect with the outside world.
Earlier today, President Trump said in a post on the Truth social platform that “help is on the way” and urged Iranian anti-government demonstrators to “keep protesting.” His national security team is scheduled to meet today to discuss options.
IIFMA was founded in November 2022 in response to the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising to foster independent cinema both in Iran and the diaspora. Since then, we have regularly participated in major film festivals and are planning to have a booth at the upcoming Berlinale.
(Tag translation) Iran
