Academy Raps Trump’s “Troubling” Ban that May Bar Iranian Filmmaker from Attending Oscars

“The Academy celebrates achievement in the art of filmmaking, which seeks to transcend borders and speak to audiences around the world, regardless of national, ethnic, or religious differences,” an Academy spokesperson said in a statement.

“As supporters of filmmakers — and the human rights of all people — around the globe, we find it extremely troubling that Asghar Farhadi, the director of the Oscar-winning film from Iran, ‘A Separation,’ along with the cast and crew of this year’s Oscar-nominated film ‘The Salesman,’ could be barred from entering the country because of their religion or country of origin.”

Meanwhile, the Public Relations office of Farhadi’s latest film announced that the acclaimed director has no “legal barrier” for travelling to the US, but he will officially declare in the coming days whether he will attend the Oscars.

 

Earlier, Taraneh Alidousti, the star of “The Salesman,” announced this week that she would be boycotting the Oscars in protest of what she called a “racist” immigration ban.

 

Her reaction was warmly received by Iranian people and officials.

Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani described Alidousti’s move as a symbol of Iranian people’s national pride.

 

Also at the opening ceremony of Fajr International Film Festival held on Saturday evening in Tehran, the head of Iran’s Cinema Organization Hojjatollah Ayoubi and veteran cinema professional Gholam-Reza Mousavi, among others, praised her move. Mousavi even raised his hat to show his respect for Alidousti’s reaction.

Many people across the US have held protest rallies inside or in front of airports to condemn US President Donald Trump’s visa restrictions for Syrian refugees and nationals of 7 countries, including Iran.

 

Farhadi’s picture is also seen in placards held by these protesters as a symbol of those who might be barred from entering the United States.