Jafar Panahi should need no introduction, but just in case…
Jafar Panahi is a director from Iran, with an international reputation, and an incredible list of films, The White Balloon, The Mirror, The Circle, Offside, Crimson Gold. (He’s one of my favorite directors.) Harassed and persecuted by the hard-line Iranian regime for years, based on Panahi’s films that were critical of the regime in Iran, most particularly its barbaric treatment of women, Panahi was finally arrested and imprisoned. Probably tortured. He went on hunger strike. The situation made international news. Released from prison, Panahi was placed on house arrest until the decision from the court came down. When it did, it was devastating: 6 years in prison, as well as a 20-year ban on making films. No travel, no interviews.
Despite the official ban, and the fact that those who work with him (cinematographers, co-directors, actors) are also arrested, their passports revoked … Panahi has continued to make films in secret, and then “smuggling” them out of the country. (One story involves smuggling in the most literal sense of the word, the film on a zip drive being smuggled out of Iran inside a cake, so that it could premiere at Cannes.)
Taxi, Panahi’s new film (the third to be done since he was banned from film-making) will be premiering at the Berlin Film Festival.
In preparation for that, Jafar Panahi (who is no longer under house arrest, but is still not allowed to leave Iran) has issued a statement on why he must keep making movies.
“Nothing can prevent me from making films since when being pushed to the ultimate corners I connect with my inner-self and in such private spaces, despite all limitations, the necessity to create becomes even more an urge…Cinema as an Art becomes my main preoccupation. That is the reason why I have to continue making films under any circumstances to pay my respect and feel alive.”
I watched “This is not a Film” recently. It was great to see but so frustrating to watch. I’m happy he is able to leave the house now. I assume the ban on filmmaking still stands but he obviously doesn’t care.
I know you don’t like political comments but I have to say how disappointed I was with our government as a whole when the Green Revolution was going on . I thought we could have done so much more to help it along.
From what I understand the majority of young Iranians are well educated, fashionable, and western leaning. Hopefully we have not heard the last from them.
Dg –
I love that Panahi, yes, does not care – and more than that, he HAS to make films. I am excited to hear that TAXI is out in the streets again – or, sort of. It all takes place in a taxi cab. Such are the limits placed on him now. But he’s so bold, he’s so heroic to me.
I agree that the whole situation with Iran is very frustrating. The governments saber-rattling – while the people actually have a lot in common. Iranians are very sophisticated technologically – which has become the regime’s worst nightmare. They literally cannot stop the flow of information. There was a great scene in Jon Stewart’s movie (the one he directed) where everyone hangs out on the roof and there are literally 50 satellite dishes (forbidden) crammed up there – that everyone covers up if they fear a crackdown is coming. You know. It’s ridiculous.
Panahi’s movies are seen by everyone. It just can’t be stopped.
Apparently since Panahi’s ban – things have lightened up a bit. There is a bit more freedom (although not really for him.) An Iranian film won Best Foreign Film last year (rightly so) and the entire cast and director were allowed to fly to LA for the awards ceremony. Iran understands the good PR of that – but it’s a really wary relationship. Panahi was the fall guy.
I’m with you – it’s great to see the films, but frustrating.