A Stirring Effort for the Unfinished Narrative of a Life: Consultations to Establish the "Minab Fund" at the Cannes Film Market

The Farabi Cinema Foundation, as the national body representing Iranian cinema, has sent a letter of protest to several international film institutions involved in film production and distribution, as well as to international film festivals and foreign filmmakers. Dear friends and colleagues, we hope this message finds you well and in good health. We are certain that artists are aware of the situation in Iran and the oppression inflicted upon its people. The United States and Israel—who have killed more than a thousand innocent children—claim to promote education and the empowerment of women in our country. They have initiated war against a land where women and children have been victims of blatant aggression. These actions have been carried out by countries that claim to defend human rights, yet through their conduct have shown no adherence whatsoever to these principles. We, Iranian filmmakers, together with the artists of our homeland, expect filmmakers around the world not to remain silent in the face of this injustice, and to be the voice of oppressed children across the world. From the glory of Jamshid’s throne to the pride of Mount Damavand, Iran has always been a cradle of civilization throughout history. We have never been aggressors, nor can anyone uproot our foundations. We are a civilization that has risen time and again from the ashes. Today, in solidarity with you—the brave and proud people of Iran—we stand against oppression. Standing against injustice is a legacy of the most ancient human civilization.