14/01/2026 - In solidarity with Iranian people demonstrating all over the country, Cineuropa reports on the declaration of prominent Iranian directors and artists in exile

In solidarity with Iranian people demonstrating all over the country, Cineuropa gives voice to the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association and reports on the declaration of prominent Iranian directors and artists in exile. The IIFA issued a statement in which independent filmmakers express deep concern over the ongoing crisis and the escalating repression by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (Pasdaran) and Islamic Republic authorities against protesters.

The Association reported over 2,000 deaths, the use of military-grade weapons against civilians in the streets, and a total internet blackout that makes communication within Iran—and naturally with the outside world—extremely difficult. This communications blackout makes the news that manages to filter out from Iranian territory alarming.

For this reason, the Association urges not only artists and celebrities but the entire world to call on embassies to open their internet access in Tehran, allowing neighbours of embassy buildings to connect with the outside world.

Jafar Panahi, Palme d'Or winner for It Was Just an Accident [+see also:
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Panahi and Rasoulof both know what repression and censorship entail. The Palme d'Or-winning director was sentenced by the Iranian regime last month in absentia to a year in prison for "propaganda activities." Rasoulof fled Iran in 2024 while appealing against a prison sentence and now lives in exile in Europe.

Many have begun using the hashtags #IranianRevolution and #IranianRevolution2026 to highlight the scale and impact of the protests. "This is a revolution and not a protest. Please be their voice," calls upon Soheila Sokhanvari, an Iranian-born, UK-based artist known for portraying rebelling Iranian women.

Iranian director exiled in France for over forty years, Sepideh Farsi (Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk [+see also:
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