Petition for jailed Iranian filmmaker
One of the many dire consequences of the trouble in Iran,
not so important perhaps compared to the lives and freedom of millions, is the
impact it might have on one of the world's richest film industries. Perhaps a
sign of things to come is the uncertain fate of Maziar Bahari, an
award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist. He was arrested at his home
on June 21 and has since been held without charge and denied access to lawyers
or contact with his family. In response, the Independent
Film Festival in Amsterdam (IDFA) has put together
a petition to the Iranian
government. Spearheaded by Wim Wenders, it
includes the names of around 60 filmmakers and cineastes, including American Indie director Todd Solondz. It can
be read here.