The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) has called on the international community to take “immediate action” to prevent further bloodshed in the country.
Thousands of people are feared dead after a crackdown on weeks of anti-government protests in Iran.
IIFMA said that numerous filmmakers and artists have been affected including actor Ahmad Abbassi and director Javad Ganji, who were killed during protests on January 9 and 10.
In a statement, IIFMA said it is “deeply concerned regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Iran”, adding that “the brutal actions of the Islamic regime have escalated to alarming levels”.
“Another Tiananmen tragedy is forming before our eyes, with a magnitude ten times greater. It is imperative to respond to the Iranian people’s call for help and prevent further bloodshed. The time for action is now,” said IIFA.
IIFMA’s comments follow a January 10 statement by leading Iranian directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof highlighting the repressive measures being used by the Iranian government.
Elsewhere, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf are among several Iranians to write to US President Donald Trump, urging him to “to act against the machinery of repression and prevent the continued killing of a people who seek dignity, justice, and freedom”.
IIFMA also called on people to contact parliament members and embassies to open their internet access in Tehran, allowing neighbours of embassy buildings to connect with the outside world.
Earlier today, President Trump urged Iranian anti-government protesters to “keep protesting”, saying “help is on its way” in a post on the Truth Social platform. His national security team is expected 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 within the diaspora. It has had a regular presence at major film festivals since then, and will have a stand at the upcoming Berlinale.
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