Iranian Directors Denounce “Peculiar” Sentencing of Saeed Roostaei

The Association of Iranian Cinema Directors has condemned the prison sentence handed down to Saeed Roostaei as "the most peculiar judicial decision in the history of Iranian cinema."

The filmmaker was sentenced to six months in prison on August 14 for making the film “Leila's Brothers” and showcasing it at the Cannes Film Festival, in what the association called "a futile effort to humiliate this talented and insightful filmmaker." 

Roostaei was also prohibited from having contacts with the film industry for five years and ordered to complete a course at the state Radio and Television University in Qom. 

The sentencing came at a time when the Iranian authorities are subjecting independent filmmakers to extensive pressure. 

Several film directors have been arrested or detained for their work in recent months, and films have been banned from screening.

The Association of Iranian Cinema Directors urged cinema managers in the country to stand in solidarity with Roostaei during this "critical time." 

They also appealed to the national cinema authorities to intervene against the execution of his sentence and “prevent further perpetuation of this atmosphere of despondency and hopelessness in Iranian cinema."