Rasoulof Cites Panahi’s Sentence as Proof of Repression at Tokyo Film Festival
Exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof spoke at the Tokyo International Film Festival press conference for the Kurosawa Akira Award.
In Brief
- •Exiled Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof spoke at the Tokyo International Film Festival press conference for the Kurosawa Akira Award.
- •He referenced Jafar Panahi’s latest prison sentence to illustrate ongoing repression of Iranian cinema.
- •Rasoulof and Japanese director O Mipo were the award recipients this year.
- •The remarks were made on 2026-11-03 during the festival’s press event.
Why It Matters
Rasoulof’s comments underscore the persistent censorship faced by filmmakers in Iran, drawing international attention to the political climate that limits artistic expression. By citing Panahi’s imprisonment, he highlighted how state actions directly impact the global film community, potentially influencing future festival programming and advocacy efforts for creative freedom.
Key Details
- Award recipients
- Mohammad Rasoulof and O Mipo
- Event
- Tokyo International Film Festival press conference
- Award name
- Kurosawa Akira Award
- Date of remarks
- 2026-11-03
Original Reporting & Sources
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