The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) on Thursday issued an urgent call to the international community to take “immediate action” to prevent further bloodshed in Iran, amid a violent state crackdown following weeks of anti-government protests.
According to various sources, thousands of people are feared to have died after security forces moved against the demonstrations. In a statement, IIFMA expressed its “deep concern regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Iran” and said that “the brutal actions of the Islamic regime have escalated to alarming levels.”
The association stated that numerous filmmakers and artists have been directly affected by the repression. Among the victims are actor Ahmad Abbassi and director Javad Ganji, who, according to IIFMA, were killed during protests on January 9 and 10.
“Another Tiananmen-style tragedy is taking shape before our eyes, on a scale ten times greater. It is imperative to respond to the Iranian people’s call for help and prevent further bloodshed. The time for action is now,” the organization said in its statement.
IIFMA’s remarks follow a January 10 statement by renowned Iranian directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof, who denounced the repressive measures used by the Iranian government to suppress the protests.
Meanwhile, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf are among a group of Iranians who sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to “act against the machinery of repression and prevent the continued killing of a people who seek dignity, justice, and freedom.”
IIFMA also called on the international public to contact members of parliament and embassies to help open internet access in Tehran, allowing residents near embassy buildings to connect with the outside world amid communications shutdowns.
Earlier on Thursday, President Trump urged Iranian anti-government protesters to “keep protesting” and said that “help is on the way” in a post on the Truth Social platform. His national security team is expected to meet later today to discuss possible options.
The Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association was founded in November 2022 in response to the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising, with the aim of fostering independent cinema both inside Iran and within the diaspora. Since then, it has maintained a regular presence at major international film festivals and will have a stand at the upcoming Berlinale.
