Mina Keshavarz and Firouzeh Khosrovani
On the morning of 10 May, internationally renowned Iranian documentary filmmakers Mina Keshavarz and Firouzeh Khosrovani were arrested in Tehran after their homes were searched and their personal and professional belongings such as mobile phones, hard drives and laptops were confiscated.
On 17 May, Keshavarz and Khosrovani were released on bail and banned from leaving the country for 6 months. There has been no official charge since their arrest.
Firouzeh Khosrovani is a graduate of Milan’s Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and holds an MA in journalism from Iran. In 2020, her Radiography of a Family won best feature at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA). Mina Keshavarz’ filmography includes Profession: Documentarist, about seven women filmmakers, Braving the Wavesand The Art of Living in Danger.
The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR) remains extremely disturbed by continued reports of arrests of filmmakers in Iran and demands an end to a growing environment of fear and insecurity in which filmmakers live and work.
“Putting such world-class filmmakers in a suspended state of ‘release on bail’ prevents them from travelling, working, or contributing to both the international and the Iranian cultural life. This is already a drastic measure aimed at artists whose work shows the most loving and respectful image of Iranian art and culture to the whole world. An image that breaks down barriers of stereotyping and prejudice. Such measures are dangerous, and such artists deserve to be treasured, not persecuted. Furthermore, they are not alone! Filmmakers around the world will stand by their side and protect their freedom and safety,” said Orwa Nyrabia, ICFR Chairman.
“Artists like Mina Keshavarz and Firouzeh Khosrovani,” added European Film Academy Chairman and ICFR co-founder Mike Downey, “are extraordinary assets to Iranian culture and society. They are creative people who need to be treasured and supported. Indeed not just by their viewers in Iran and around the world, but also by the international film community.”
Although our colleagues Mina Keshavarz and Firouzeh Khosrovani have been released on bail, the ICFR will be observing the situation of these two filmmakers closely as well as any other arrests in the wake of recent events.
Founded by the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, International Film Festival Rotterdam and the European Film Academy, the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk’s mission is to advocate for and to act in solidarity with filmmakers at risk. The Coalition acts in cases of persecution or threats to the personal safety of these filmmakers and will defend their right to continue their work, by mobilising the international film community.
