CANNES, FRANCE – Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, a vocal advocate for human rights, used his platform at the Cannes Film Festival to denounce state violence in Iran and the devastating consequences of the war involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Farhadi's condemnation shines a spotlight on the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire of political repression and international conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and justice.

Farhadi, whose film 'Parallel Tales' explores themes of societal fracture and moral compromise, addressed the systemic issues that contribute to the loss of innocent lives. He spoke of the 'extremely cruel and tragic' deaths of protesters, highlighting the disproportionate impact of state violence on marginalized communities and those exercising their fundamental right to dissent.

'One was the death of a number of innocent people, children, members of the civilian population who died in the war,' Farhadi said, drawing attention to the human cost of armed conflict. 'Before that, we had the death of a number of demonstrators, people who went to the street to protest, and they were equally innocent. These two events are extremely painful and will never be forgotten.'

Farhadi's remarks underscored the critical importance of recognizing the inherent dignity and value of all human life, regardless of political affiliation or social status. He argued that condemning the deaths of innocent people in bombings and the execution of protesters is not contradictory but rather a moral imperative.

'To express one’s indignation in the face of the death of innocent people in the bombing doesn’t mean one is in favour of the executions and death of protesters,' he stated. 'Similarly, to feel empathy for people who were shot during demonstrations doesn’t mean you can’t feel empathy for those who died in the bombings.'

Farhadi's condemnation extends beyond the immediate context of Iran, serving as a powerful indictment of state-sponsored violence and the global structures that perpetuate conflict and inequality. His boycott of the 2017 Academy Awards in protest of Donald Trump's travel ban demonstrates his unwavering commitment to social justice and his willingness to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities.

The suppression of artistic expression in Iran, exemplified by the sentencing of Jafar Panahi and the exile of Mohammad Rasoulof, highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of speech and the vital role of artists in challenging oppressive regimes. Farhadi's vow not to make films in Iran under current censorship laws is a testament to his courage and his dedication to artistic integrity.