Freedom for the filmmaker Rasoulof

Rasoulof, who has already been honoured with awards in Cannes, has just won the Golden Bear at the 70th Berlinale for his latest work. LIKE his earlier films, IT GIVES NO EVIL takes a critical look at life under authoritarian rule.

Mohammad Rasoulof has now been summoned by the Special Prosecutor's Office for Media and Cultural Offences to serve a one-year prison sentence. On 23 July 2019, the Iranian Revolutionary Court sentenced the filmmaker to one year in prison for alleged propaganda against the government and a two-year ban on working as a Director, as well as a two-year ban on leaving the country and a ban on participating in social or political activities.

"Being called up to serve my prison sentence reveals only a small part of the intolerance and anger that characterises the Iranian regime's response to criticism. Many cultural activists are in prison for criticising the government. The widespread and uncontrolled spread of the Covid-19 virus in Iranian prisons is seriously jeopardising their lives. These conditions require an immediate response from the international community."Mohammad Rasoulof

We strongly protest against the summoning of Mohammad Rasoulof and urge the Iranian authorities to ensure his safety and health. We also demand that the charges against Mohammad Rasoulof be withdrawn and the travel ban imposed on him be lifted immediately and unconditionally, and call on festivals around the world, cinemas and all artists to demand the same.

Wim WendersPresident of the European Film Academy: "Our colleague Mohammad Rasoulof is an artist who repeatedly tells us about a reality that we otherwise know very little about. His Golden Bear-winning film THERE IS NO EVIL is a deeply humane portrait of people in extreme situations - situations that no human being should have to experience. We need voices like Mohammad Rasoulof's, voices that defend human rights, freedom and dignity."

Ulrich MatthesPresident of the German Film Academy: "Mohammad Rasoulof is an outstanding artist whose deeply humane films about freedom and oppression have reached many people around the world throughout his career. He is a master of Iranian cinema: a rich film culture that has given us some of the most compelling stories about the human condition. Mohammad Rasoulof's films not only tell us about life in Iran, but also speak to us in the universal language of cinema to promote compassion and peace. We need artists like Mohammad Rasoulof who are able to raise their voices without fear of sanctions."