Veteran Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi has asked his fellow filmmakers and artists to speak publicly in opposition to what he described as the “destructive aggression” of the current war between the United States and Iran.
Farhadi published a statement this afternoon calling on his filmmaking colleagues to take a stand. You can read the statement in full below.
“I call on artists and filmmakers everywhere in the world to be a voice in these critical days and hours, in any way possible, to stop the destructive aggression that has increasingly destroyed civilian infrastructure,” he wrote.
“Attacking a country’s infrastructure is a war crime. Regardless of any beliefs or attitudes, let’s unite to stop this inhumane, illegal, and destructive process.”
Earlier today, in a Truth Social post, Donald Trump said a “whole civilization will die tonight” if its regime doesn’t agree to a deal to halt or end the war. The post appeared to be a threat aimed at Iran’s government.
Trump posted on Truth Social, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”
The president has set an 8 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, or he has vowed to destroy Iran’s infrastructure, like bridges and power plants. Attacks on civilian targets likely violate the Geneva Convention and are considered war crimes.
Negotiations reportedly are continuing, and there is a possibility that Trump extends the deadline. A key issue is Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point that has resulted in a spike in oil prices since the war started five weeks ago. Pakistan reportedly is playing a major role in mediating negotiations between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Asghar Farhadi’s Statement:
I call on artists and filmmakers everywhere in the world to be a voice in these critical days and hours, in any way possible, to stop the destructive aggression that has increasingly destroyed civilian infrastructure.
Infrastructure that belongs to the Iranian people and is related to the basic needs of their daily lives. The destruction of infrastructure is not just the destruction of buildings, it is an attack on human life and dignity.
Attacking a country’s infrastructure is a war crime. Regardless of any beliefs or attitudes, let’s unite to stop this inhumane, illegal, and destructive process.
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