Oscars: Dissident Iranian Filmmakers Reiterate Calls For AMPAS To Stop Accepting Entries From Iran’s…

The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) is calling on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to reconsider its long-standing relationship with Iran’s government-backed Farabi Cinema Foundation.

Traditionally, Farabi has been the official body responsible for selecting Iran’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars. However, IIFMA, established in 2023 following the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, says this partnership undermines artistic freedom and legitimizes state censorship.

In a letter sent to AMPAS, IIFMA wrote, “This practice raises significant ethical concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing censorship enforced by the Iranian government.” The letter explains that Farabi operates under the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, enforcing strict limitations on creative expression and silencing dissident voices, especially those from the Iranian diaspora and independent filmmakers.

The letter coincides with Farabi’s recent selection of Cause of Death: Unknown by Ali Zarnegar as Iran’s entry for the 98th Academy Awards. The film premiered at the Shanghai Film Festival in 2023, but has gained little international traction. Critics in Iranian media have noted that other films with stronger global recognition would have been more appropriate.

Among the overlooked titles are Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident and Saeed Roustayi’s Woman and Child, both of which competed at Cannes. While Woman and Child faced backlash from supporters of Woman Life Freedom for its compliance with state dress codes, It Was Just An Accident has found hope through its French co-production, putting it on France’s shortlist for Oscar submission.

Independent filmmakers in Iran have faced increasing state intimidation. Directors Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghadam reported death threats and court summons related to their Berlin-premiered film My Favourite Cake. In a more alarming case, director Ali Ahmadzadeh, who won Locarno’s Golden Leopard for Critical Zone, had his home raided by 50 armed men. His devices, film material, awards, and bank cards were stolen—an act interpreted as a warning to underground artists.

In light of these events, IIFMA urged the Academy to reform its submission policy for films from autocratic regimes. They proposed the creation of an independent committee free from government ties, composed of global and Iranian representatives, to ensure authentic representation of national cinema on the global stage.

The letter concludes, “We believe it is time for the Academy to adopt a more principled stance, honoring the diversity and resilience of Iranian filmmakers who continue to create against all odds.”

As of now, 50 countries have submitted entries to the Best International Feature Film category, with more expected before the October 1 deadline.