A statement from the Venice Biennale, which is the supervisory body of the film festival in the Italian city, expressed “deep dissatisfaction” after the director’s arrest for “showing off to other colleagues against the arrest of fellow directors Muhammad Rasoulof and Mustafa Al Ahmad. ” . ”
The statement added: “The Venice Biennale joins many other voices around the world in condemning the ongoing crackdown and demanding the immediate release of the two arrested directors.”
Panahi’s arrest came after it was revealed on Friday that directors Muhammad Rasoulof and Mustafa Al Ahmad had been arrested on charges of “disturbing the peace” in Iran.
Panahi, 62, is considered one of the Islamic Republic’s most recognizable directors and has won several international awards, most notably the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015 for Taxi in Tehran. , As well as the “Best Screenplay” prize at the Best Film Festival. Cannes Film Festival ”in 2018 for the film“ Three Faces ”.
Panahi is known for his opposition to the authorities of his country. He was arrested in 2010 and later convicted of “propaganda against the political system” of Iran. He was sentenced to six years in prison with a 20-year ban on directing or scripting films, as well as traveling and appearing in the media, after he supported protest movements following the re-election of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009.
Source: Al-Akhbar
