“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is an anguished cry from the heart of Mohammad Rasoulof, the Iranian filmmaker who just fled his home country for Europe after an eight-year prison sentence from the Islamic Republic. This is not the first brush with theocratic law for the dissident director, who’s been working steadily out of Iran for two decades.
So while Iran will never, ever submit his deeply unsettling latest masterwork for the Best International Feature Oscar — often the only harbinger of anti-establishment Middle Eastern films making their way to the U.S. — this searing domestic thriller deserves the widest audience possible. With the brutal 2022 killing of Mahsa Amini by government hands as his launching point, Rasoulof crafts an extraordinarily gripping allegory about the corrupting costs of power and the suppression of women under a religious patriarchy that crushes the very people it claims to protect.
“Sacred Fig” arose...
So while Iran will never, ever submit his deeply unsettling latest masterwork for the Best International Feature Oscar — often the only harbinger of anti-establishment Middle Eastern films making their way to the U.S. — this searing domestic thriller deserves the widest audience possible. With the brutal 2022 killing of Mahsa Amini by government hands as his launching point, Rasoulof crafts an extraordinarily gripping allegory about the corrupting costs of power and the suppression of women under a religious patriarchy that crushes the very people it claims to protect.
“Sacred Fig” arose...
- 5/24/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Mohammad Rasoulof has arrived. The dissident Iranian director is at the Cannes Film Festival to present his new film, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, in competition, just weeks after he dramatically escaped Iran on foot, fleeing an eight-year prison sentence.
Details of the director’s harrowing escape were made public last week after he was safely away, ensconced in an undisclosed location in Germany. He made the decision to leave, to abandon his homeland and walk across the mountainous borderland after the authorities sentenced him to a lengthy prison term.
His sentence also included a fine, the confiscation of property, and a flogging as punishment for bottles of wine the police discovered during a raid on his apartment.
Rasoulof had been arrested and imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin jail in July 2022 for signing a petition calling on security forces to “Lay Down Your Arms” and exercise restraint in response to street protests.
Details of the director’s harrowing escape were made public last week after he was safely away, ensconced in an undisclosed location in Germany. He made the decision to leave, to abandon his homeland and walk across the mountainous borderland after the authorities sentenced him to a lengthy prison term.
His sentence also included a fine, the confiscation of property, and a flogging as punishment for bottles of wine the police discovered during a raid on his apartment.
Rasoulof had been arrested and imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin jail in July 2022 for signing a petition calling on security forces to “Lay Down Your Arms” and exercise restraint in response to street protests.
- 5/24/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Stand-up comic Martin Amini took to YouTube on Tuesday to unveil his first special, I’m Transcending, which sees him discuss his upbringing with immigrant parents, as well as the challenges of contending with dual cultural influences in a divorced household.
A trailer for the special can be viewed above. Watch it in full here. Taped in Washington, D.C., the special was directed by comedian Erik Griffin, with Amini, Matt Rife and Christina Shams serving as executive producers.
Based in Los Angeles, with roots that trace back to Silver Spring, Maryland, the comic is known for material drawing on his relationships with his Iranian father and Bolivian mother. In addition to his stand-up, he is the founder of D.C. comedy club Room 808, which has featured appearances from comics like Rife and Trevor Wallace, among many others.
Currently on the road for his “Martin Had a Dream” theater tour,...
A trailer for the special can be viewed above. Watch it in full here. Taped in Washington, D.C., the special was directed by comedian Erik Griffin, with Amini, Matt Rife and Christina Shams serving as executive producers.
Based in Los Angeles, with roots that trace back to Silver Spring, Maryland, the comic is known for material drawing on his relationships with his Iranian father and Bolivian mother. In addition to his stand-up, he is the founder of D.C. comedy club Room 808, which has featured appearances from comics like Rife and Trevor Wallace, among many others.
Currently on the road for his “Martin Had a Dream” theater tour,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
There are many detective shows out there already. So how is Tracker different? Well, the show’s protagonist, a man named Colter Shaw, plays a ‘tracker’ in the show who puts his life in danger to locate or track down things and people. He gets a reward for this service, making him a rehashed version of a bounty hunter in the contemporary world. He gets called all sorts of names, ‘mercenary’ being one of them, but he prefers ‘rewardist’. But Colter avoids killing anyone if he can help it. Surprisingly, there are a lot of people who want his services, as there are many who are looking for lost things. Colter has a checkered past, which is one of the reasons he has become a tracker.
Spoilers Ahead
How Does Colter Get His Cases?
Working out of an Rv, Colter’s rules were simple. If he found the missing person...
Spoilers Ahead
How Does Colter Get His Cases?
Working out of an Rv, Colter’s rules were simple. If he found the missing person...
- 2/12/2024
- by Ayush Awasthi
- Film Fugitives
This Is Us‘ Justin Hartley returns to primetime with the lead role in CBS’s new drama Tracker. Based on Jeffery Deaver’s The Never Game, Tracker kicks off with episode one – “Klamath Falls” – directed by This Is Us‘ Ken Olin from a script by Ben H. Winters. Episode one airs on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at 10pm Et/Pt after Super Bowl Lviii.
Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, Fiona Rene plays Reenie Greene, and Robin Weigert is Teddi. Abby McEnany plays Velma and Eric Graise is Bobby Exley. New season one episodes will air on Sundays at 9pm Et/Pt.
“Klamath Falls” Plot: Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family. In the premiere episode, Colter’s handlers,...
Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, Fiona Rene plays Reenie Greene, and Robin Weigert is Teddi. Abby McEnany plays Velma and Eric Graise is Bobby Exley. New season one episodes will air on Sundays at 9pm Et/Pt.
“Klamath Falls” Plot: Justin Hartley stars as Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family. In the premiere episode, Colter’s handlers,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
This episode of Revisited was Written by Cody Hamman, Narrated by Travis Hopson, Edited by Juan Jimenez, Produced by Adam Walton and Chris Bumbray, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Universal Pictures wanted a car chase spectacle that would appeal to fans of their Fast & Furious franchise. What director Nicolas Winding Refn and star Ryan Gosling delivered was something far from that. They made a fairy tale-inspired arthouse thriller with ‘80s vibes, a deliberate pace, and bursts of graphic violence. The film was the 2011 release Drive (watch it Here) – and it’s time for it to be Revisited.
Drive started as a crime novel that was written by James Sallis and published in 2005. If you’re familiar with the film adaptation, you’ll recognize characters and story elements in the book. It follows a man known only as Driver. He’s a stunt performer by day. At night he...
Universal Pictures wanted a car chase spectacle that would appeal to fans of their Fast & Furious franchise. What director Nicolas Winding Refn and star Ryan Gosling delivered was something far from that. They made a fairy tale-inspired arthouse thriller with ‘80s vibes, a deliberate pace, and bursts of graphic violence. The film was the 2011 release Drive (watch it Here) – and it’s time for it to be Revisited.
Drive started as a crime novel that was written by James Sallis and published in 2005. If you’re familiar with the film adaptation, you’ll recognize characters and story elements in the book. It follows a man known only as Driver. He’s a stunt performer by day. At night he...
- 12/14/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Iffi 2023: Endless Borders Wins Best Film, Panchayat Season 2 Awarded Best Web Series Honor! ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
The 54th edition of the acclaimed International Film Festival of India (Iffi) honored groundbreaking performances from the world of cinema and Ott during the closing ceremony on Tuesday (November 28). Abbas Amini’s Endless Borders bagged the Best Film honor, while Rishabh Shetty, who has swept the majority of awards this year for Kantara, took home the Special Jury Award for his film, which has now become a cultural phenomenon. Panchayat Season 2 was at the forefront of scripting history by winning the first-ever Best Web Series (Ott) Award. Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, meanwhile, received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
Endless Borders Wins Best Film
The Persian film Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini, took home the award for Best Film at Iffi 2023. The film, follows an exiled Iranian teacher, Ahmad, living in...
The 54th edition of the acclaimed International Film Festival of India (Iffi) honored groundbreaking performances from the world of cinema and Ott during the closing ceremony on Tuesday (November 28). Abbas Amini’s Endless Borders bagged the Best Film honor, while Rishabh Shetty, who has swept the majority of awards this year for Kantara, took home the Special Jury Award for his film, which has now become a cultural phenomenon. Panchayat Season 2 was at the forefront of scripting history by winning the first-ever Best Web Series (Ott) Award. Hollywood legend Michael Douglas, meanwhile, received the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
Endless Borders Wins Best Film
The Persian film Endless Borders, directed by Abbas Amini, took home the award for Best Film at Iffi 2023. The film, follows an exiled Iranian teacher, Ahmad, living in...
- 11/28/2023
- by Shivani Negi
- KoiMoi
Five years after opening the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam with his feature debut “Kabul, City in the Wind,” Afghanistan-born, Netherlands-based filmmaker Aboozar Amini returns to IDFA to present his latest, “Kabul, Year Zero,” at the festival’s industry section, Forum.
The choice to return to IDFA was an obvious one to Amini and frequent collaborator Jia Zhao of Silk Road Film Salon, who is co-producing “Kabul, Year Zero” alongside Julia Niethammer for Chromosome and Heejung Oh for Seesaw Pictures. Speaking exclusively to Variety, Zhao said, “It was a very conscious choice to get back to IDFA because Aboozar’s first project was here, and to have had a first feature be seen by so many people — many of whom still have some fresh memories of it — was special to us. Of course, IDFA still had to choose us, but the Forum always had priority.”
“For me, seeing people’s...
The choice to return to IDFA was an obvious one to Amini and frequent collaborator Jia Zhao of Silk Road Film Salon, who is co-producing “Kabul, Year Zero” alongside Julia Niethammer for Chromosome and Heejung Oh for Seesaw Pictures. Speaking exclusively to Variety, Zhao said, “It was a very conscious choice to get back to IDFA because Aboozar’s first project was here, and to have had a first feature be seen by so many people — many of whom still have some fresh memories of it — was special to us. Of course, IDFA still had to choose us, but the Forum always had priority.”
“For me, seeing people’s...
- 11/14/2023
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
Updated November 2… Fears are growing for the health of detained Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh following fresh details of the violent circumstances of her arrest and current physical condition.
Sotoudeh was among several women who were arrested at the funeral in Tehran on Sunday of teenager Armita Geravand, who died after allegedly being assaulted as they arrested her for not wearing Iran’s obligatory veil.
Sotoudeh’s husband, Reza Khandan has revealed that a group of some 50 police and security personnel charged at the mourners gathered at the funeral, beating some and dragging others across gravestones as they were arrested.
Following a subsequent prison visit, Khandan reported that Sotoudeh had said that she was covered in bruises, that the back of her head remained swollen, and that she was experiencing a prolonged headache.
New York-based freedom of expression champion Pen called on the Iranian authorities to transfer Sotoudeh access to hospital withou delay.
Sotoudeh was among several women who were arrested at the funeral in Tehran on Sunday of teenager Armita Geravand, who died after allegedly being assaulted as they arrested her for not wearing Iran’s obligatory veil.
Sotoudeh’s husband, Reza Khandan has revealed that a group of some 50 police and security personnel charged at the mourners gathered at the funeral, beating some and dragging others across gravestones as they were arrested.
Following a subsequent prison visit, Khandan reported that Sotoudeh had said that she was covered in bruises, that the back of her head remained swollen, and that she was experiencing a prolonged headache.
New York-based freedom of expression champion Pen called on the Iranian authorities to transfer Sotoudeh access to hospital withou delay.
- 11/2/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The Rough Cut Presentations section has expanded, including five additional projects from Ukraine.
IDFA Forum (November 12-15), the co-production and co-financing market of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), has selected its 2023 edition titles, with the likes of Aboozar Amini, Asmae El Moudir and Michael Madsen returning with their latest projects to Forum Pitch, while the Rough Cut Presentations section has expanded.
Afghanistan-born, Netherlands-based filmmaker Amini’s Kabul, City In The Wind screened at IDFA in 2018, and is now pitching Kabul, Year Zero, which threads together four vivid coming-of-age stories against the backdrop of war.
After presenting The Postcard at IDFA...
IDFA Forum (November 12-15), the co-production and co-financing market of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), has selected its 2023 edition titles, with the likes of Aboozar Amini, Asmae El Moudir and Michael Madsen returning with their latest projects to Forum Pitch, while the Rough Cut Presentations section has expanded.
Afghanistan-born, Netherlands-based filmmaker Amini’s Kabul, City In The Wind screened at IDFA in 2018, and is now pitching Kabul, Year Zero, which threads together four vivid coming-of-age stories against the backdrop of war.
After presenting The Postcard at IDFA...
- 10/5/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The Coalition for Change, the UK freelance collective set up in 2020, has set out a long-term strategy including a target to create a pipeline for its freelancers’ charter at the begininng, middle and end of all TV productions.
In an email sent out to members, seen by Deadline, Coalition founder Adeel Amini said the charter will relaunch soon to “establish it within the public consciousness,” with additions from newer member groups such as the Jack Thorne-backed TV Access Project and Ciisa, the new independent anti-bullying complaints body, which will go live next year.
Unveiled at Edinburgh TV Festival in 2021, the charter sets out terms for freelancers in areas such as recruitment, workplace culture, bullying and harassment, and conduct. It was adopted by British broadcasters, some streamers and trade bodies such as Pact and the BFI.
“We would like to create a pipeline for the Charter at the beginning, middle,...
In an email sent out to members, seen by Deadline, Coalition founder Adeel Amini said the charter will relaunch soon to “establish it within the public consciousness,” with additions from newer member groups such as the Jack Thorne-backed TV Access Project and Ciisa, the new independent anti-bullying complaints body, which will go live next year.
Unveiled at Edinburgh TV Festival in 2021, the charter sets out terms for freelancers in areas such as recruitment, workplace culture, bullying and harassment, and conduct. It was adopted by British broadcasters, some streamers and trade bodies such as Pact and the BFI.
“We would like to create a pipeline for the Charter at the beginning, middle,...
- 10/4/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Dissident Iranian director Jafar Panahi has launched an impassioned appeal for production designer Leila Naghdipari to be released from jail following her recent arrest during demonstrations marking the one year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death.
Naghdipari was one of hundreds of Iranians arrested on Sept. 16 during widespread protests marking the anniversary of Amini’s death while being detained for allegedly violating the country’s hijab law that mandates covered hair.
“Today, Iranian independent cinema is more that ever struggling to breathe under the boots of the security forces,” Panahi said in his appeal.
Panahi added that it’s been more than 10 days since the arrest of Naghdipari, who was the production designer on his 2018 film “Three Faces,” a road trip through the repressive territory of patriarchal rural Iran. Panahi shot the film, which screened at the Cannes Film Festival, in violation of his 20-year filmmaking ban.
“All the efforts of her husband Majid Barzegar,...
Naghdipari was one of hundreds of Iranians arrested on Sept. 16 during widespread protests marking the anniversary of Amini’s death while being detained for allegedly violating the country’s hijab law that mandates covered hair.
“Today, Iranian independent cinema is more that ever struggling to breathe under the boots of the security forces,” Panahi said in his appeal.
Panahi added that it’s been more than 10 days since the arrest of Naghdipari, who was the production designer on his 2018 film “Three Faces,” a road trip through the repressive territory of patriarchal rural Iran. Panahi shot the film, which screened at the Cannes Film Festival, in violation of his 20-year filmmaking ban.
“All the efforts of her husband Majid Barzegar,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Iranian director Farhad Delaram was in the midst of shooting his subversive road movie “Achilles” when Mahsa Amini died in Tehran on Sept. 16, 2022, while being detained for allegedly violating the country’s hijab law that mandates covered hair.
Amini’s death triggered months of nationwide demonstrations and riots under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom.” The ongoing protests mark the most serious challenge to the country’s regime since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979.
The fallout from Amini’s death came crashing onto the Iranian set of “Achilles,” in which a former filmmaker turned medic nicknamed Achilles decides to help a female political prisoner named Hedieh escape from a psych ward. Due to the nationwide protests “Everyone on set was having trouble concentrating,” Delaram recounts.
Roughly a year later, the director is in Toronto launching his timely drama that will now segue to San Sebastian and other European fests. Visit Films is selling “Achilles” internationally.
Amini’s death triggered months of nationwide demonstrations and riots under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom.” The ongoing protests mark the most serious challenge to the country’s regime since the Islamic Republic was founded in 1979.
The fallout from Amini’s death came crashing onto the Iranian set of “Achilles,” in which a former filmmaker turned medic nicknamed Achilles decides to help a female political prisoner named Hedieh escape from a psych ward. Due to the nationwide protests “Everyone on set was having trouble concentrating,” Delaram recounts.
Roughly a year later, the director is in Toronto launching his timely drama that will now segue to San Sebastian and other European fests. Visit Films is selling “Achilles” internationally.
- 9/15/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Jane Campion, Damien Chazelle, Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Guy Nattiv joined a flash mob on the Venice Film Festival’s red carpet on Saturday in support of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in Iran.
They were among around 100 filmmakers, artists and pro-democracy activists joining the flashmob, which took place ahead of tonight’s gala screening of Maestro.
The group carried placards with portraits of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose death in police custody last September, after she was arrested for not wearing her veil correctly, sparked the protests.
There were also banners for Leila’s Brothers director Roustayi, who it emerged last month had been sentenced to six months in prison on charges of “anti-regime propaganda activity” for screening the family drama in Cannes in 2022.
Saeed Roustee had previously participated at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 in the Orizzonti section with Just 6.5 (Metri Shesho Nim).
The arrests are believed to...
They were among around 100 filmmakers, artists and pro-democracy activists joining the flashmob, which took place ahead of tonight’s gala screening of Maestro.
The group carried placards with portraits of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whose death in police custody last September, after she was arrested for not wearing her veil correctly, sparked the protests.
There were also banners for Leila’s Brothers director Roustayi, who it emerged last month had been sentenced to six months in prison on charges of “anti-regime propaganda activity” for screening the family drama in Cannes in 2022.
Saeed Roustee had previously participated at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 in the Orizzonti section with Just 6.5 (Metri Shesho Nim).
The arrests are believed to...
- 9/2/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The death of Mahsa Amini on Sept. 16, 2022, would shake Iran to its core. In what proved to be a tinder box moment and led to what experts have asserted was the greatest challenge to the hard-line Iranian government since the 1979 revolution, the 22-year-old died in Tehran, having allegedly been beaten by the police after she’d been arrested for not wearing the mandatory hijab.
The news sparked widespread protests across the country as thousands took to the streets over the following weeks and months to demand an end to the hijab rule and for wider social freedoms, particularly for women. The brutal crackdown by authorities that followed resulted in more than 500 reportedly killed by security forces and tens of thousands detained.
Amini’s death would also shake up the production of Tatami, then underway in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, just over 200 miles from the Iranian border. The film, receiving...
The news sparked widespread protests across the country as thousands took to the streets over the following weeks and months to demand an end to the hijab rule and for wider social freedoms, particularly for women. The brutal crackdown by authorities that followed resulted in more than 500 reportedly killed by security forces and tens of thousands detained.
Amini’s death would also shake up the production of Tatami, then underway in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, just over 200 miles from the Iranian border. The film, receiving...
- 8/31/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A behind-closed-doors trial is being held in Tehran for an Iranian journalist on charges resulting from her coverage of Mahsa Amini, whose 2022 death in custody by Iran’s morality police sparked months of protest.
Elaheh Mohammadi, a reporter for the pro-reform Hammihan newspaper who is on trial in Tehran, as well as Sharq newspaper journalist, Niloofar Hamedi, have been accused of “colluding with hostile powers” for their coverage of Amini’s death, Reuters reports. The two journalists have been held in Iran’s notorious Evin prison since last September.
In October, Iran’s intelligence ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused Mohammadi and Hamedi of being CIA agents.
Mohammadi’s trial began on Monday and Hamedi’s is scheduled to start Tuesday, judiciary spokesman Massoud Setayeshi told the Times of Israel. Each is being tried separately by the revolutionary courts and could face the death penalty under Islamic law if convicted.
Elaheh Mohammadi, a reporter for the pro-reform Hammihan newspaper who is on trial in Tehran, as well as Sharq newspaper journalist, Niloofar Hamedi, have been accused of “colluding with hostile powers” for their coverage of Amini’s death, Reuters reports. The two journalists have been held in Iran’s notorious Evin prison since last September.
In October, Iran’s intelligence ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps accused Mohammadi and Hamedi of being CIA agents.
Mohammadi’s trial began on Monday and Hamedi’s is scheduled to start Tuesday, judiciary spokesman Massoud Setayeshi told the Times of Israel. Each is being tried separately by the revolutionary courts and could face the death penalty under Islamic law if convicted.
- 5/29/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the momentous burst of rebellion against the Iranian regime prompted by the death of Mahsa Amini are reverberating profoundly at the Cannes Film Festival.
At the festival’s opening ceremony on Tuesday night, legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve paid tribute to the war’s victims by reciting a poem from Ukrainian poet Lessia Oukraïnka, solemnly declaring: “I no longer have either happiness or freedom, only one hope remains to me: to return one day to my beautiful Ukraine.” One year ago, Cannes got off to an emotional start with remarks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On the industry side, official Russian delegations and companies with ties to the government are again banned from participating in the Cannes Marché du Film. And Iran’s Farabi Film Foundation, the top national film entity which has been attending the market for years, has not been allowed to book a stand,...
At the festival’s opening ceremony on Tuesday night, legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve paid tribute to the war’s victims by reciting a poem from Ukrainian poet Lessia Oukraïnka, solemnly declaring: “I no longer have either happiness or freedom, only one hope remains to me: to return one day to my beautiful Ukraine.” One year ago, Cannes got off to an emotional start with remarks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On the industry side, official Russian delegations and companies with ties to the government are again banned from participating in the Cannes Marché du Film. And Iran’s Farabi Film Foundation, the top national film entity which has been attending the market for years, has not been allowed to book a stand,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli and Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Bob Odenkirk stars in Lucky Hank as the midlife crisis-bound English Professor Hank Devereaux.
In an exclusive interview with uInterview at South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, Sara Amini explained what her character, Meg, is like.
“She’s sort of Hank’s protege,” she began. “She’s a part-time professor and then she also works part-time at a bar. What she wants more than anything is to have tenure, which is what these other seasoned professors have, but Hank doesn’t want her to get stuck in Railton like he did, so he’s kind of against it and that’s kind of where their tension lies. But Meg is super bright, really good at teaching, a little self-destructive in her personal life, a little reckless but a really complicated, amazing character to play.”
Amini also revealed an awkward moment on set with costar Odenkirk.
“So I have this moment early on,...
In an exclusive interview with uInterview at South By Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, Sara Amini explained what her character, Meg, is like.
“She’s sort of Hank’s protege,” she began. “She’s a part-time professor and then she also works part-time at a bar. What she wants more than anything is to have tenure, which is what these other seasoned professors have, but Hank doesn’t want her to get stuck in Railton like he did, so he’s kind of against it and that’s kind of where their tension lies. But Meg is super bright, really good at teaching, a little self-destructive in her personal life, a little reckless but a really complicated, amazing character to play.”
Amini also revealed an awkward moment on set with costar Odenkirk.
“So I have this moment early on,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Hailey Schipper
- Uinterview
March 20 marks the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It’s Iran’s first Spring festivities since the death of Jina “Mahsa” Amini, the 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman who died while in police custody for allegedly wearing a loose headscarf.
On Nowruz, which means “New Day,” Iranian activist Naza Alakija is paying tribute to Iran’s “Woman. Life. Freedom.” movement with the release of a powerful short film titled “Rise” about a young woman who, like Amini, pushes back agains Iran’s morality police and is kidnapped from the streets of Tehran.
Alakija, who is the founder and CEO of London-based Evoca Foundation, produced the short – which features British-Iranian actress Yasaman Mohsani (“Secret Invasion”) as the victim – with partners who have chosen to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from Iran’s security forces, as has the film’s female director.
“Rise” features the words of Maya Angelou’s...
On Nowruz, which means “New Day,” Iranian activist Naza Alakija is paying tribute to Iran’s “Woman. Life. Freedom.” movement with the release of a powerful short film titled “Rise” about a young woman who, like Amini, pushes back agains Iran’s morality police and is kidnapped from the streets of Tehran.
Alakija, who is the founder and CEO of London-based Evoca Foundation, produced the short – which features British-Iranian actress Yasaman Mohsani (“Secret Invasion”) as the victim – with partners who have chosen to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from Iran’s security forces, as has the film’s female director.
“Rise” features the words of Maya Angelou’s...
- 3/20/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The investigations into Sin City crimes will continue for a third year. CBS has renewed CSI: Vegas for the 2023-24 television season.
A police procedural series, the CSI: Vegas TV show stars Marg Helgenberger, Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mandeep Dhillon, Jay Lee, Ariana Guerra, and Lex Medlin. Sara Amini and Joel Johnstone recur. Amidst the neon lights and long shadows, dark threats continue to lurk in Sin City. Maxine Roby (Newsome) leads her team of brilliant Crime Scene Investigators as they use science to solve baffling cases. Working together are veteran Catherine Willows (Helgenberger), Level III CSI Josh Folsom (Lauria), Level II CSI Allie Rajan (Dhillon), Level I CSI Beau Finado (Medlin), CSI Christopher Park (Lee), homicide detective Serena Chavez (Guerra), Chief Medical Examiner Sonya Nikolayevich (Amini), and Jack Nikolayevich (Johnstone), an assistant medical examiner and Sonya's...
A police procedural series, the CSI: Vegas TV show stars Marg Helgenberger, Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mandeep Dhillon, Jay Lee, Ariana Guerra, and Lex Medlin. Sara Amini and Joel Johnstone recur. Amidst the neon lights and long shadows, dark threats continue to lurk in Sin City. Maxine Roby (Newsome) leads her team of brilliant Crime Scene Investigators as they use science to solve baffling cases. Working together are veteran Catherine Willows (Helgenberger), Level III CSI Josh Folsom (Lauria), Level II CSI Allie Rajan (Dhillon), Level I CSI Beau Finado (Medlin), CSI Christopher Park (Lee), homicide detective Serena Chavez (Guerra), Chief Medical Examiner Sonya Nikolayevich (Amini), and Jack Nikolayevich (Johnstone), an assistant medical examiner and Sonya's...
- 2/22/2023
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The Berlinale red carpet on Saturday became a protest platform against Iran’s repressive regime when a group of Iranian filmmakers and talents, joined by jury president Kristen Stewart, chanted “Women, Life, Freedom!” and demanded the release of imprisoned journalists and an Iranian rapper.
Actress Golshifteh Farahani, who is also on the jury; “Holy Spider” actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi; and “The Siren” director Sepideh Farsi were among dozens of Iranian film professionals participating in the protests hosted by Berlinale co-directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
Protesters with signs demanded freedom for female Iranian journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi who are behind bars, accused of “conspiring against national security” for being the first to report on Mahsa Amini’s death, and for the release of dissident Iranian hip hop artist Toomaj Salehi who has been accused of spreading propaganda and could face the death penalty.
The Berlin red carpet protest...
Actress Golshifteh Farahani, who is also on the jury; “Holy Spider” actress Zar Amir Ebrahimi; and “The Siren” director Sepideh Farsi were among dozens of Iranian film professionals participating in the protests hosted by Berlinale co-directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian.
Protesters with signs demanded freedom for female Iranian journalists Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi who are behind bars, accused of “conspiring against national security” for being the first to report on Mahsa Amini’s death, and for the release of dissident Iranian hip hop artist Toomaj Salehi who has been accused of spreading propaganda and could face the death penalty.
The Berlin red carpet protest...
- 2/18/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The wave of protests sparked across Iran by the death of Mahsa Amini by Iranian morality police in September came amid a banner year for Iranian cinema.
But as 2023 kicks off, more than 500 people who have protested her death and called for justice have been killed while prominent members of the Iranian film industry were either arrested, put on trial or banned from making movies. The result being that the country’s cinematic community has largely ground to a halt.
Which raises the question: unless something changes, how many films actually shot in Iran will be surfacing on the international festival circuit going forward?
In 2022, Iran-based directors landed slots in all major international film festivals and won major awards. Revered auteur Jafar Panahi took the Venice Special Jury Prize for “No Bears” and Houman Seyyedi’s tragicomedy “World War III,” which was Iran’s candidate for the international Oscar, scooped two statuettes on the Lido.
But as 2023 kicks off, more than 500 people who have protested her death and called for justice have been killed while prominent members of the Iranian film industry were either arrested, put on trial or banned from making movies. The result being that the country’s cinematic community has largely ground to a halt.
Which raises the question: unless something changes, how many films actually shot in Iran will be surfacing on the international festival circuit going forward?
In 2022, Iran-based directors landed slots in all major international film festivals and won major awards. Revered auteur Jafar Panahi took the Venice Special Jury Prize for “No Bears” and Houman Seyyedi’s tragicomedy “World War III,” which was Iran’s candidate for the international Oscar, scooped two statuettes on the Lido.
- 2/18/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Cyrielle Raingou’s documentary “Le Spectre de Boko Haram” won the Tiger Award, the top prize of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Friday. The film follows a group of children in the north of Cameroon, an area dominated by the terrorist organization Boko Haram. Raingou is from the area herself.
“When I received this unforgettable call, I started crying. I couldn’t believe it. This recognition means the world to me and my people,” Raingou said on a video message played during the awards ceremony.
The jury deemed Raingou’s feature debut “a story that centers on its filmmakers’ patient and honest gaze on the hovering presence of violence, seen through the eyes of innocents.”
The Tiger Award, which aims to “raise the profile of and reward up-and-coming international film talent,” is accompanied by a €40,000 cash prize, to be shared between the film’s director and producer. This year’s...
“When I received this unforgettable call, I started crying. I couldn’t believe it. This recognition means the world to me and my people,” Raingou said on a video message played during the awards ceremony.
The jury deemed Raingou’s feature debut “a story that centers on its filmmakers’ patient and honest gaze on the hovering presence of violence, seen through the eyes of innocents.”
The Tiger Award, which aims to “raise the profile of and reward up-and-coming international film talent,” is accompanied by a €40,000 cash prize, to be shared between the film’s director and producer. This year’s...
- 2/3/2023
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
Last September, as protests spread across Iran following the death of 22-year-old activist Mahsa Amini, the musician Shervin Hajipour released a song in support of the movement, “Baraye.” The song instantly went viral and has since become an anthem for the demonstrations — which is why Hanson’s Taylor Hanson is encouraging as many people as possible to participate in a new recording of the song.
Hanson and a new non-profit, For Women Life Freedom, are organizing the massive project, which aims to gather 16,000 voices for a new recording of “Baraye.
Hanson and a new non-profit, For Women Life Freedom, are organizing the massive project, which aims to gather 16,000 voices for a new recording of “Baraye.
- 1/30/2023
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Five years ago, Noora Niasari asked her mother to write a memoir in order to fill in the gaps of some fuzzy childhood memories. The Iranian Australian director had been just five years old when her mother fled an abusive relationship and left her entire community to raise Niasari on her own in a foreign country.
An early draft of “Shayda,” which opens the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance on Friday, was based on that memoir and tracks Niasari’s mother’s life from her arranged marriage in Iran as a teenager to finding independence in Australia with her child. The resulting film stars “Holy Spider” breakout Zar Amir-Ebrahimi as Shayda, and Selina Zahednia as her daughter, Mona.
“There are a lot of fictional elements within the current version of the film, but it’s very much grounded in the emotional truth of our experience,” the Melbourne-based Niasari tells Variety.
An early draft of “Shayda,” which opens the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance on Friday, was based on that memoir and tracks Niasari’s mother’s life from her arranged marriage in Iran as a teenager to finding independence in Australia with her child. The resulting film stars “Holy Spider” breakout Zar Amir-Ebrahimi as Shayda, and Selina Zahednia as her daughter, Mona.
“There are a lot of fictional elements within the current version of the film, but it’s very much grounded in the emotional truth of our experience,” the Melbourne-based Niasari tells Variety.
- 1/19/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The Berlin International Film Festival will not accredit individuals or organizations directly linked to the Russian or Iranian governments, the organization said Wednesday.
In a statement shared with TheWrap, the festival condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressed solidarity with its citizens. It also issued a statement of support for those protesting the Iranian government, which has killed upwards of 450 civilians after the state murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini sparked nationwide unrest.
Independent filmmakers, industry representatives and members of the media will not be excluded on the basis of their nationality.
Last spring and summer, the Cannes and Venice film festivals enacted the same policy concerning Russia. Amini was killed in September 2022, so Iran marks a new addition.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
The 73rd Berlin Film Festival takes place Feb. 16 to 26 and the European Film Market will run Feb.
In a statement shared with TheWrap, the festival condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressed solidarity with its citizens. It also issued a statement of support for those protesting the Iranian government, which has killed upwards of 450 civilians after the state murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini sparked nationwide unrest.
Independent filmmakers, industry representatives and members of the media will not be excluded on the basis of their nationality.
Last spring and summer, the Cannes and Venice film festivals enacted the same policy concerning Russia. Amini was killed in September 2022, so Iran marks a new addition.
Also Read:
Sundance’s 20 Buzziest Movies for Sale in 2023, From ‘Cat Person’ to ‘Shortcomings’ (Photos)
The 73rd Berlin Film Festival takes place Feb. 16 to 26 and the European Film Market will run Feb.
- 1/18/2023
- by Harper Lambert
- The Wrap
More than 100 key figures from the UK film and TV industry have signed a letter urging the UK government to take “immediate action” against Iranian authorities for “gross violations of human rights and women’s rights” in their response to the wave of public protests that erupted last year.
The industry leaders, including Barbara Broccoli, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Edgar Wright, are calling for the UK government to “actively campaign to stop the violence used against the protesters in Iran, including an immediate stop to all executions” and “demand the release of all political prisoners in Iran.”
“Enough is enough. If the global community, which the UK is an active and influential member of, does not act firmly, these atrocities will continue,” the letter reads. “We need to sincerely support the people of Iran in their fight for justice and freedom.”
The letter was organized by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under...
The industry leaders, including Barbara Broccoli, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Edgar Wright, are calling for the UK government to “actively campaign to stop the violence used against the protesters in Iran, including an immediate stop to all executions” and “demand the release of all political prisoners in Iran.”
“Enough is enough. If the global community, which the UK is an active and influential member of, does not act firmly, these atrocities will continue,” the letter reads. “We need to sincerely support the people of Iran in their fight for justice and freedom.”
The letter was organized by British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari (Under...
- 1/17/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti has been detained on charges of “spreading falsehoods” regarding the country’s ongoing protest movement. The BBC reported that Alidoosti condemned the country’s recent execution of Mohsen Shekari for his involvement in protests. The actor made her statements through a now-deleted post on Instagram, reports Variety.
“His name was Mohsen Shekari. Every international organisation who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity,” Alidoosti wrote.
The actor was arrested after being unable to produce “any documents in line with her claims,” according to state media. Alidoosti’s Instagram account, which possessed about eight million followers, has since been taken down.
Variety reports that Shekari was hanged earlier this month after being accused of blocking a main road in Tehran and wounding a military officer with a machete. Shekari was found guilty by a Revolutionary Court of fighting and drawing a...
“His name was Mohsen Shekari. Every international organisation who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity,” Alidoosti wrote.
The actor was arrested after being unable to produce “any documents in line with her claims,” according to state media. Alidoosti’s Instagram account, which possessed about eight million followers, has since been taken down.
Variety reports that Shekari was hanged earlier this month after being accused of blocking a main road in Tehran and wounding a military officer with a machete. Shekari was found guilty by a Revolutionary Court of fighting and drawing a...
- 12/18/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Taraneh Alidoosti, one of Iran’s most renowned actors, was detained on charges of “spreading falsehoods” regarding the country’s ongoing protest movement, according to state media.
The BBC reported that Alidoosti condemned the country’s recent execution of Mohsen Shekarim for his involvement with protests. The actor made her statements through a now-deleted post on Instagram.
“His name was Mohsen Shekari. Every international organisation who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity,” Alidoosti wrote. The actor was arrested after being unable to produce “any documents in line with her claims,” according to state media. Alidoosti’s Instagram account, which possessed about eight million followers, has since been taken down.
Shekari was hanged earlier this month after being accused of blocking a main road in Tehran and wounding a military officer with a machete. Shekari was found guilty by a Revolutionary Court of fighting...
The BBC reported that Alidoosti condemned the country’s recent execution of Mohsen Shekarim for his involvement with protests. The actor made her statements through a now-deleted post on Instagram.
“His name was Mohsen Shekari. Every international organisation who is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity,” Alidoosti wrote. The actor was arrested after being unable to produce “any documents in line with her claims,” according to state media. Alidoosti’s Instagram account, which possessed about eight million followers, has since been taken down.
Shekari was hanged earlier this month after being accused of blocking a main road in Tehran and wounding a military officer with a machete. Shekari was found guilty by a Revolutionary Court of fighting...
- 12/17/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
This interview with “Holy Spider” director Ali Abbasi originally appeared in the International Film issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.
Ali Abbasi would like to make something clear: “Holy Spider” is not a true-crime film. Though the story is based on the horrifying real case of Saeed Hanaei, who murdered 16 sex workers in the Iranian city of Mashhad in 2000-2001, claiming he was doing God’s work to eradicate sinful women, Abbasi was not interested in making a serial killer movie. He wanted to make a noir that explored a “serial killer society” in which a devoutly religious man living in one of the holiest cities in Iran could admit to atrocious crimes and be hailed by a sizable portion of the population as a hero. When we spoke to Abbasid, who was born in Iran but now lives in Denmark, the protests for women’s rights that exploded in...
Ali Abbasi would like to make something clear: “Holy Spider” is not a true-crime film. Though the story is based on the horrifying real case of Saeed Hanaei, who murdered 16 sex workers in the Iranian city of Mashhad in 2000-2001, claiming he was doing God’s work to eradicate sinful women, Abbasi was not interested in making a serial killer movie. He wanted to make a noir that explored a “serial killer society” in which a devoutly religious man living in one of the holiest cities in Iran could admit to atrocious crimes and be hailed by a sizable portion of the population as a hero. When we spoke to Abbasid, who was born in Iran but now lives in Denmark, the protests for women’s rights that exploded in...
- 12/5/2022
- by Missy Schwartz
- The Wrap
Popular Iranian actors Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi have been arrested and imprisoned in Iran after they appeared in public and on social media having removed their headscarves in a bold act of defiance and protest against the death of Mahsa Amini.
Iran’s state-run Irna news agency said that Ghaziani and Riahi are now both behind bars after being summoned by the country’s prosecutors in a probe due to “provocative” social media posts.
Ghaziani, a film and theater actor who has won many acting accolades in Iran, on Saturday published a powerful video of herself on Instagram removing her hijab and walking proudly in a Tehran street.
“Maybe this will be my last post,” she wrote. “From this moment on, whatever happens to me, know that as always, I am with the Iranian people until my last breath.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hengameh Ghaziani (@hengamehghaziani)
Riahi,...
Iran’s state-run Irna news agency said that Ghaziani and Riahi are now both behind bars after being summoned by the country’s prosecutors in a probe due to “provocative” social media posts.
Ghaziani, a film and theater actor who has won many acting accolades in Iran, on Saturday published a powerful video of herself on Instagram removing her hijab and walking proudly in a Tehran street.
“Maybe this will be my last post,” she wrote. “From this moment on, whatever happens to me, know that as always, I am with the Iranian people until my last breath.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Hengameh Ghaziani (@hengamehghaziani)
Riahi,...
- 11/21/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Update (5 a.m. Pst): Iran’s players have poignantly refused to sing their national anthem as the nation’s World Cup opener against England kicks off.
Some in the crowd appeared to be jeering during the anthem, which came to the backdrop of protests over the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini in custody in September and on the day that two prominent Iranian actresses were arrested. The majority of the backroom staff also appeared to be refusing to sing.
Iran’s national football team refused to sing Iranian national anthem at the #FIFAWorldCup in solidarity with ongoing protest against the regime in Iran. pic.twitter.com/K8A0z6lj9a
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) November 21, 2022
Protest by Iranian fans – booing their own national anthem ahead of match against England. #Qatar2022 #iran pic.twitter.com/3YN5V2y7BO
— Jonathan Swain (@SwainITV) November 21, 2022
Iran fans with a message before their World Cup opener: pic.
Some in the crowd appeared to be jeering during the anthem, which came to the backdrop of protests over the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini in custody in September and on the day that two prominent Iranian actresses were arrested. The majority of the backroom staff also appeared to be refusing to sing.
Iran’s national football team refused to sing Iranian national anthem at the #FIFAWorldCup in solidarity with ongoing protest against the regime in Iran. pic.twitter.com/K8A0z6lj9a
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) November 21, 2022
Protest by Iranian fans – booing their own national anthem ahead of match against England. #Qatar2022 #iran pic.twitter.com/3YN5V2y7BO
— Jonathan Swain (@SwainITV) November 21, 2022
Iran fans with a message before their World Cup opener: pic.
- 11/21/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Iran has arrested two prominent actresses who removed their headscarves in public to show support for the ongoing protest movement calling for freedom for women, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in custody last September.
According to multiple reports citing state media, Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi were detained after being summoned by prosecutors and are accused of collusion and acting against Iran’s authorities.
Ghaziani, an award-winner for 2008’s As Simple as That and 2012’s Days of Life, has been a vocal critic of the crackdown on protesters. She wrote in an Instagram message this weekend, “Maybe this will be my last post. From this moment on, whatever happens to me, know that as always, I am with Iranian people until my last breath.”
The accompanying video shows Ghaziani turning her back on camera and wrapping her uncovered hair into a ponytail, a gesture which has come...
According to multiple reports citing state media, Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi were detained after being summoned by prosecutors and are accused of collusion and acting against Iran’s authorities.
Ghaziani, an award-winner for 2008’s As Simple as That and 2012’s Days of Life, has been a vocal critic of the crackdown on protesters. She wrote in an Instagram message this weekend, “Maybe this will be my last post. From this moment on, whatever happens to me, know that as always, I am with Iranian people until my last breath.”
The accompanying video shows Ghaziani turning her back on camera and wrapping her uncovered hair into a ponytail, a gesture which has come...
- 11/21/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Alidoosti appeared in Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winner ’The Salesman’.
Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti, best known for starring in Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winningThe Salesman, has posted a picture of herself on Instagram without a headscarf in support of the country’s anti-government protests.
She also held up a sign with the popular slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” written in Kurdish.
Demonstrations sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody have continued since mid-September. Amini was arrested by Tehran morality police for not adhering to Iran’s strict dress codes.
Alidoosti previously boycotted the 2017 Academy Awards in protest over Donald Trump...
Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti, best known for starring in Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winningThe Salesman, has posted a picture of herself on Instagram without a headscarf in support of the country’s anti-government protests.
She also held up a sign with the popular slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” written in Kurdish.
Demonstrations sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody have continued since mid-September. Amini was arrested by Tehran morality police for not adhering to Iran’s strict dress codes.
Alidoosti previously boycotted the 2017 Academy Awards in protest over Donald Trump...
- 11/10/2022
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Britney Spears has been attacked on social media by the Islamic Republic News Agency (Irna), Iran’s state-sponsored media, for her support of protestors in Iran.
Protests against Iran’s “morality police” erupted after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on September 6. Iran’s morality police arrested Amini in Tehran for allegedly “improperly” wearing her headscarf.
Anger spread across the country after she died in police custody.
Amini’s family claimed that the young girl was beaten to death by police. However, the Irna has continued to deny the accusation and claim the girl died of a heart attack.
Spears and her husband, Iranian-American actor and model Sam Asghari, showed their support on social media and said they stand in solidarity with the Iranian people.
She tweeted her support: “Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom.”
Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom.
Protests against Iran’s “morality police” erupted after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on September 6. Iran’s morality police arrested Amini in Tehran for allegedly “improperly” wearing her headscarf.
Anger spread across the country after she died in police custody.
Amini’s family claimed that the young girl was beaten to death by police. However, the Irna has continued to deny the accusation and claim the girl died of a heart attack.
Spears and her husband, Iranian-American actor and model Sam Asghari, showed their support on social media and said they stand in solidarity with the Iranian people.
She tweeted her support: “Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom.”
Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom.
- 10/22/2022
- by Peiyu Jiang
- Uinterview
Britney Spears has been attacked on social media by Iran’s state-sponsored media service, the Islamic Republic News Agency.
The Irna hit out at the singer-songwriter after she shared a message in support of the Iranian citizens protesting the country’s morality police.
Spears, who is married to Iranian-American actor and model Sam Asghari, tweeted last week: “Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom.”
In response, the Irna tweeted about Spears, making reference to her controversial conservatorship arrangement, which was dissolved last year following a protracted legal battle.
“American singer Britney Spears was placed under her father’s conservatorship in 2008 due to her mental health problems,” the organisation wrote on its official Twitter account.
“That gave Britney’s father control over her finances and even her personal life aspects such as pregnancy, remarriage and visits to her teenage sons.”
The tweet has been interpreted as...
The Irna hit out at the singer-songwriter after she shared a message in support of the Iranian citizens protesting the country’s morality police.
Spears, who is married to Iranian-American actor and model Sam Asghari, tweeted last week: “Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom.”
In response, the Irna tweeted about Spears, making reference to her controversial conservatorship arrangement, which was dissolved last year following a protracted legal battle.
“American singer Britney Spears was placed under her father’s conservatorship in 2008 due to her mental health problems,” the organisation wrote on its official Twitter account.
“That gave Britney’s father control over her finances and even her personal life aspects such as pregnancy, remarriage and visits to her teenage sons.”
The tweet has been interpreted as...
- 10/18/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Music
Iran’s state sponsored media, the Islamic Republic News Agency, has turned their focus from state propaganda to U.S. icon Britney Spears. After Spears tweeted her support for the Iranian citizens currently protesting the country’s morality police, the Irna shot back on Twitter by mentioning Spears’ years-long conservatorship. “American singer Britney Spears was placed under her father’s conservatorship in 2008 due to her mental health problems,” the organization tweeted. “That gave Britney’s father control over her finances and even her personal life aspects such as pregnancy, remarriage...
- 10/18/2022
- by CT Jones
- Rollingstone.com
Actress Urvashi Rautela, who had compared herself to late Mahsa Amini, has now shared pictures of herself ‘chopping off hair’ in support of Iranian women protesting against Mahsa’s death.
Urvashi took to Instgram and posted a note on Amini’s death. She was seen sporting a blue kurta as she sat on the floor as a man cut off her hair with scissors. Her back was towards the camera.
Alongside the post, she wrote about the protests in Iran, feminism and the death of Ankita Bhandari, who was killed in Uttarakhand last month.
“Chopped my hair off! Cutting my hair in support of Iranian women and girls, who have been killed in protests at the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest by Iranian morality police and for all the girls. And for 19-year-old girl, my Ankita Bhandari from Uttarakhand,” Urvashi wrote.
She added: “Around the world women are...
Urvashi took to Instgram and posted a note on Amini’s death. She was seen sporting a blue kurta as she sat on the floor as a man cut off her hair with scissors. Her back was towards the camera.
Alongside the post, she wrote about the protests in Iran, feminism and the death of Ankita Bhandari, who was killed in Uttarakhand last month.
“Chopped my hair off! Cutting my hair in support of Iranian women and girls, who have been killed in protests at the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest by Iranian morality police and for all the girls. And for 19-year-old girl, my Ankita Bhandari from Uttarakhand,” Urvashi wrote.
She added: “Around the world women are...
- 10/17/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Click here to read the full article.
Iran continues to be gripped by nationwide protests against the Islamic regime, demonstrations sparked by the Sept. 13 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, while in police custody, after having been arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab.
The protests are the largest and most sustained bout of civil unrest to grip Iran since 2009 and are seen by many as a true threat to the future of the country’s Islamic rulers.
While Amini’s death was the spark that ignited this current wave of demonstrations, unrest had been simmering all summer in Iran, and the response by the police has been brutal. In July, authorities imprisoned two Iranian directors, Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa al-Ahmad, for voicing opposition on social media to the government’s violent crackdown. In response, Jafar Panahi,...
Iran continues to be gripped by nationwide protests against the Islamic regime, demonstrations sparked by the Sept. 13 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, while in police custody, after having been arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating Iran’s strict rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab.
The protests are the largest and most sustained bout of civil unrest to grip Iran since 2009 and are seen by many as a true threat to the future of the country’s Islamic rulers.
While Amini’s death was the spark that ignited this current wave of demonstrations, unrest had been simmering all summer in Iran, and the response by the police has been brutal. In July, authorities imprisoned two Iranian directors, Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa al-Ahmad, for voicing opposition on social media to the government’s violent crackdown. In response, Jafar Panahi,...
- 10/17/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Britney Spears has joined her husband in showing support for the protests taking place in Iran.
As of last month, many people have been protesting in the country against the strict rules set out by the government. The protests began in direct response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died while in custody of the “morality police”.
Amini was held by the country’s police for allegedly having a loose headscarf, or hijab. Although police have denied any mistreatment, and say she died of a heart attack, her family believe otherwise.
Since then, deadly demonstrations have taken place across Iran, with Iranian women shown on video cutting off their hair and defying dress rules.
“Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom,” Spears wrote on her Twitter account on Sunday.
Her tweet follows her husband’s vocal support for the protest. In September Sam Asghari...
As of last month, many people have been protesting in the country against the strict rules set out by the government. The protests began in direct response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died while in custody of the “morality police”.
Amini was held by the country’s police for allegedly having a loose headscarf, or hijab. Although police have denied any mistreatment, and say she died of a heart attack, her family believe otherwise.
Since then, deadly demonstrations have taken place across Iran, with Iranian women shown on video cutting off their hair and defying dress rules.
“Me & my husband stand with the people of Iran fighting for freedom,” Spears wrote on her Twitter account on Sunday.
Her tweet follows her husband’s vocal support for the protest. In September Sam Asghari...
- 10/17/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Harry Styles is nearing the end of his Love On Tour pitstop in Chicago, and it’s apparent that even a bottle-throwing incident isn’t going to dampen his mood or his view of the Windy City.
The “As It Was” singer was in the middle of his performance Friday night at the United Center chopping it up with fans, as is his usual manner, when, out of nowhere, some so-called fan inexplicably threw a bottle at Styles’ direction. The bottle made a direct hit on the singer’s crotch, and it was quite painful, as the bizarre act brought the singer’s spiel to a screeching halt and an audible groan from the packed crowd.
“Well, that’s unfortunate,” the singer can be heard saying on video making the rounds on social media. Styles then shakes his legs and pumps himself up.
“Ok, shake it off,” he says, as the crowd cheers him on.
The “As It Was” singer was in the middle of his performance Friday night at the United Center chopping it up with fans, as is his usual manner, when, out of nowhere, some so-called fan inexplicably threw a bottle at Styles’ direction. The bottle made a direct hit on the singer’s crotch, and it was quite painful, as the bizarre act brought the singer’s spiel to a screeching halt and an audible groan from the packed crowd.
“Well, that’s unfortunate,” the singer can be heard saying on video making the rounds on social media. Styles then shakes his legs and pumps himself up.
“Ok, shake it off,” he says, as the crowd cheers him on.
- 10/15/2022
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Iranian filmmaker Mani Haghighi had his passport confiscated at the airport as he was about to board a flight to attend the BFI London Film Festival.
Haghighi was expected to present there the UK premiere of his latest film, ‘Subtraction’, reports Variety.
In a filmed video statement, which will be played before his film screens on Saturday Haghighi said: “I’m very sorry that I’m unable to be there with you tonight in the theatre. I was prevented by the Iranian authorities from boarding my flight to London on Friday.”
“They gave me no reasonable explanation for this utterly rude behaviour.”
“So naturally on the way home from the airport, I was wondering about this and I was asking myself, why would the Iranian regime want to prevent me, a filmmaker, from leaving my own country? And I came up with two theories. The first one is this: a couple of weeks ago,...
Haghighi was expected to present there the UK premiere of his latest film, ‘Subtraction’, reports Variety.
In a filmed video statement, which will be played before his film screens on Saturday Haghighi said: “I’m very sorry that I’m unable to be there with you tonight in the theatre. I was prevented by the Iranian authorities from boarding my flight to London on Friday.”
“They gave me no reasonable explanation for this utterly rude behaviour.”
“So naturally on the way home from the airport, I was wondering about this and I was asking myself, why would the Iranian regime want to prevent me, a filmmaker, from leaving my own country? And I came up with two theories. The first one is this: a couple of weeks ago,...
- 10/15/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Iranian filmmaker Mani Haghighi had his passport confiscated at the airport as he was about to board a flight to attend the BFI London Film Festival. Haghighi was expected to present there the U.K. premiere of his latest film, “Subtraction.”
In a filmed video statement, which will be played before his film screens on Saturday (Oct. 15), Haghighi said: “I’m very sorry that I’m unable to be there with you tonight in the theatre. I was prevented by the Iranian authorities from boarding my flight to London on Friday. They gave me no reasonable explanation for this utterly rude behaviour.”
“So naturally on the way home from the airport, I was wondering about this and I was asking myself, why would the Iranian regime want to prevent me, a filmmaker, from leaving my own country? And I came up with two theories. The first one is this: a couple of weeks ago,...
In a filmed video statement, which will be played before his film screens on Saturday (Oct. 15), Haghighi said: “I’m very sorry that I’m unable to be there with you tonight in the theatre. I was prevented by the Iranian authorities from boarding my flight to London on Friday. They gave me no reasonable explanation for this utterly rude behaviour.”
“So naturally on the way home from the airport, I was wondering about this and I was asking myself, why would the Iranian regime want to prevent me, a filmmaker, from leaving my own country? And I came up with two theories. The first one is this: a couple of weeks ago,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Iranian filmmaker Mani Haghighi will no longer attend the London Film Festival premiere of his latest film Subtraction after authorities stopped him from boarding a flight to London.
A spokesperson for the BFI London Film Festival told Deadline that Haghighi was turned away at the airport by Iranian authorities and his passport was confiscated.
“He has returned to his home in Tehran. We understand that no reason has been given to Mani Haghighi for the confiscation,” the statement continued. “The BFI London Film Festival supports Haghighi and all filmmakers in their freedom to make their films and present them around the world.”
The spokesperson added: “Earlier this week, in solidarity with imprisoned Iranian filmmakers and the brave women of Iran who are challenging for their freedom, BFI London Film Festival filmmakers and delegates joined Festival Director, Tricia Tuttle, in a moment of solidarity and reflection.”
Haghighi traveled to Toronto for...
A spokesperson for the BFI London Film Festival told Deadline that Haghighi was turned away at the airport by Iranian authorities and his passport was confiscated.
“He has returned to his home in Tehran. We understand that no reason has been given to Mani Haghighi for the confiscation,” the statement continued. “The BFI London Film Festival supports Haghighi and all filmmakers in their freedom to make their films and present them around the world.”
The spokesperson added: “Earlier this week, in solidarity with imprisoned Iranian filmmakers and the brave women of Iran who are challenging for their freedom, BFI London Film Festival filmmakers and delegates joined Festival Director, Tricia Tuttle, in a moment of solidarity and reflection.”
Haghighi traveled to Toronto for...
- 10/14/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Bono has surprised students at his old school in Dublin with a visit this week.
The U2 frontman visited the Mount Temple comprehensive secondary school in Clontarf, Dublin, to meet students and teachers there.
According to pupils, a rumour had gone around the school that Bono would be visiting and it was confirmed when they were called into an afternoon assembly.
Sixth year students (year 13 in the UK) were apparently treated to a private audience with the star.
“He was really nice and seemed quite down-to-earth. He didn’t have a big entourage with him or anything, just a few people who seemed to be working with him,” a student at the school told the Irish Independent.
“He spoke for a bit and then read for a while out of his new memoir,” she added.
The student is referring to the Grammy-winning frontman’s forthcoming memoir Surrender: 40 songs, 1 story, set for release on 1 November.
The U2 frontman visited the Mount Temple comprehensive secondary school in Clontarf, Dublin, to meet students and teachers there.
According to pupils, a rumour had gone around the school that Bono would be visiting and it was confirmed when they were called into an afternoon assembly.
Sixth year students (year 13 in the UK) were apparently treated to a private audience with the star.
“He was really nice and seemed quite down-to-earth. He didn’t have a big entourage with him or anything, just a few people who seemed to be working with him,” a student at the school told the Irish Independent.
“He spoke for a bit and then read for a while out of his new memoir,” she added.
The student is referring to the Grammy-winning frontman’s forthcoming memoir Surrender: 40 songs, 1 story, set for release on 1 November.
- 10/13/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - Music
Festival
Japanese director Kawase Naomi will lead the international competition jury of the 44th Cairo International Film Festival (Nov. 13-22).
Kawase won the Caméra d’Or for best debut feature film at Cannes for “Moe no Suzaku” (1997) and also won awards there for “Mogari no Mori” (2007) and “Hikari” (2017). In 2000, her film “Hotaru” won the Fipresci award at Locarno.
Cairo festival president Hussein Fahmy said that Kawase has had a distinguished career and possesses great experience that qualified her to obtain prestigious awards from various international festivals.
Festival director Amir Ramses added that the presence of an award-winning female director with such a successful career and rich filmography is a great inspiration to female filmmakers in Egypt.
Solidarity
The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) has declared solidarity with all those in Iran who stand up for their basic human rights and the freedom of expression.
“This is a revolution...
Japanese director Kawase Naomi will lead the international competition jury of the 44th Cairo International Film Festival (Nov. 13-22).
Kawase won the Caméra d’Or for best debut feature film at Cannes for “Moe no Suzaku” (1997) and also won awards there for “Mogari no Mori” (2007) and “Hikari” (2017). In 2000, her film “Hotaru” won the Fipresci award at Locarno.
Cairo festival president Hussein Fahmy said that Kawase has had a distinguished career and possesses great experience that qualified her to obtain prestigious awards from various international festivals.
Festival director Amir Ramses added that the presence of an award-winning female director with such a successful career and rich filmography is a great inspiration to female filmmakers in Egypt.
Solidarity
The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) has declared solidarity with all those in Iran who stand up for their basic human rights and the freedom of expression.
“This is a revolution...
- 10/12/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Indian actor Elnaaz Norouzi has joined the protest against Iran’s “morality police” by taking her clothes off one at a time in an Instagram video.
On Tuesday (11 October), the Sacred Games star posted a video where she was seen taking off multiple layers of clothes.
The 30-year-old actor, who was born in Iran, started off by taking off her hijab, followed by her burqa, and the rest of her clothes.
“Every woman, anywhere in the world, regardless of where she is from, should have the right to wear whatever she desires and when or wherever she desires to wear it,” she wrote in the caption.
“No man nor any other woman has the right to judge her or ask her to dress otherwise.
“Everyone has different views and beliefs and they have to be respected,” she added. “Democracy means the power to decide.
“Every woman should have the power...
On Tuesday (11 October), the Sacred Games star posted a video where she was seen taking off multiple layers of clothes.
The 30-year-old actor, who was born in Iran, started off by taking off her hijab, followed by her burqa, and the rest of her clothes.
“Every woman, anywhere in the world, regardless of where she is from, should have the right to wear whatever she desires and when or wherever she desires to wear it,” she wrote in the caption.
“No man nor any other woman has the right to judge her or ask her to dress otherwise.
“Everyone has different views and beliefs and they have to be respected,” she added. “Democracy means the power to decide.
“Every woman should have the power...
- 10/12/2022
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - TV
An Iranian protest song in response to the death of Mahsa Amini has received around 95,000 submissions for a new Grammy award.
A special category, titled “Best Song for Social Change” was created earlier this year by the Recording Academy to recognise songs with profound social influence and impact.
“Baraye” by 25-year-old Iranian musician, Shervin Hajipour, went viral following the death of 22-year-old Amini in Tehran, Iran on 16 September.
Amini – also known by her Kurdish name, Jina Amini – died after being detained by so-called “morality police” for allegedly not following the country’s strict dress code while visiting the capital city, with protests erupting worldwide in the aftermath.
“Baraye” was written in tribute to Amini, and has received more than 40 million listens across multiple social media platforms.
The word “baraye” means “for” or “because of” in Persian and in the song, Hajipour sings lyrics such as, “to dance in the streets,...
A special category, titled “Best Song for Social Change” was created earlier this year by the Recording Academy to recognise songs with profound social influence and impact.
“Baraye” by 25-year-old Iranian musician, Shervin Hajipour, went viral following the death of 22-year-old Amini in Tehran, Iran on 16 September.
Amini – also known by her Kurdish name, Jina Amini – died after being detained by so-called “morality police” for allegedly not following the country’s strict dress code while visiting the capital city, with protests erupting worldwide in the aftermath.
“Baraye” was written in tribute to Amini, and has received more than 40 million listens across multiple social media platforms.
The word “baraye” means “for” or “because of” in Persian and in the song, Hajipour sings lyrics such as, “to dance in the streets,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Furvah Shah
- The Independent - Music
The state broadcaster of Iran appeared to be hacked on air this weekend, including a news bulletin being interrupted with a protest.
On screen, the news was interrupted for a few seconds at 1800 local time by the image of a mask, followed by a depiction of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with a target on his head, plus flames around him.
The BBC reported that one of the captions, created by a group calling itself “Adalat Ali” (“Ali’s Justice”) read “join us and rise up,” while another said “our youths’ blood is dripping off your paws.”
Iranian state TV is hacked with images of those killed in the uprising, the slogan “Woman, life, freedom”, and a message for viewers to “Join us and rise up”. pic.twitter.com/0HdVRnHz9s
— Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) October 8, 2022
The hack follows weeks of protests in Iran, following the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini...
On screen, the news was interrupted for a few seconds at 1800 local time by the image of a mask, followed by a depiction of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with a target on his head, plus flames around him.
The BBC reported that one of the captions, created by a group calling itself “Adalat Ali” (“Ali’s Justice”) read “join us and rise up,” while another said “our youths’ blood is dripping off your paws.”
Iranian state TV is hacked with images of those killed in the uprising, the slogan “Woman, life, freedom”, and a message for viewers to “Join us and rise up”. pic.twitter.com/0HdVRnHz9s
— Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) October 8, 2022
The hack follows weeks of protests in Iran, following the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini...
- 10/9/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s Friday, you’re starting to think of the weekend, so it must be Insider time. Join me once again as the Deadline International team cast a critical eye over the big news stories this week. Read on.
NATPE And Edinburgh In Turmoil
Nasty news from NATPE: This month was supposed to be all about people getting back together at industry events. Certainly, in the international TV industry, everyone we speak to is – genuinely, for once – excited about returning to Mipcom later this month. However, October has started horribly for fans of travelling to entertainment industry confabs: On Monday, NATPE filed for bankruptcy instead collecting its things from Miami and moving them to the Bahamas as planned, and then it emerged the Edinburgh International Film Festival has gone the same way. Napte, which has been hosting execs, producers, syndicators and distributors for decades,...
NATPE And Edinburgh In Turmoil
Nasty news from NATPE: This month was supposed to be all about people getting back together at industry events. Certainly, in the international TV industry, everyone we speak to is – genuinely, for once – excited about returning to Mipcom later this month. However, October has started horribly for fans of travelling to entertainment industry confabs: On Monday, NATPE filed for bankruptcy instead collecting its things from Miami and moving them to the Bahamas as planned, and then it emerged the Edinburgh International Film Festival has gone the same way. Napte, which has been hosting execs, producers, syndicators and distributors for decades,...
- 10/7/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
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