- Legal action initiated against Iranian filmmakers by film festival
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In a bit of a twist, the film "Keyke mahboobe man," celebrated at the Berlin Film Festival last year, has landed its directors, Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, in hot water with Iran's justice system. The duo, who couldn't attend the Berlin premiere due to a travel ban, now find themselves facing charges in Tehran.
The revolutionary court in Tehran has accused Maryam and Behtash of propagating against the state, which primarily stems from their critically acclaimed film. The case is slated for a court hearing on March 1.
Beyond this charge, the justice system also alleges that the filmmakers violated "morality and decency" and failed to secure a screening permit and distribution license. Previously, the public prosecutor's office had questioned them several times. The filmmakers shared a letter from the Tehran public prosecutor's office on their Instagram.
"Keyke mahboobe man" was a hit at the Berlin Film Festival, with audiences enchanted by the story of a 70-year-old widow rediscovering love after her husband's demise. Despite the restrictions, the film garnered international praise, including victories at the Berlin Film Festival, Cabourg, and Pass Culture.
Critics lauded the film for its nuanced portrayal of love, loneliness, and defiance of oppressive rules in Iran. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers' work has managed to transcend boundaries and spark conversations.
Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran's film and cultural scene has been under close scrutiny by the authorities. Filmmakers must apply for shooting permits and screenings through the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Yet, despite these restrictions, Iran's vibrant art and film scene continues to serve as a platform for subtle or overt criticism of the system.
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Following their international film festival success, the filmmakers' experiences shed light on the ongoing tensions between artistic freedom and government control in Iran. Despite their passports being returned, they were barred from leaving the country for another premiere. Their charges, including propaganda against the regime and creating a vulgar movie, are widely seen as politically motivated by the filmmakers and critics.]**
The film scene from "Keyke mahboobe man" that enchanted audiences at the Berlin Film Festival has become a subject of controversy, with directors Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha facing charges in Iran's justice system. During the court hearing on March 1, they will be accused of propagating against the state, violating morality and decency, and failing to secure necessary permits.
