‘Extremely cruel and tragic’: Iranian director Asghar Farhadi speaks out against state violence and the war
At the Cannes Film Festival, Asghar Farhadi used the platform to denounce the deaths of Iranian civilians and protesters, calling both acts cruel and tragic. He highlighted the need to criticize state violence and war alike, while also discussing his new film Parallel Tales and his ongoing exile fr…
During a press conference on the Croisette, Oscar‑winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi delivered a stark condemnation of the violence that has plagued his homeland. Speaking after the premiere of his Paris‑set drama Parallel Tales, Farhadi called the deaths of civilians in Iran “extremely cruel and tragic,” and urged the international community to recognize the dual suffering caused by state repression and war bombing campaigns.
Farhadi’s Message at Cannes
Farhadi, who has lived outside Iran since 2023, was asked about his experience working free from censorship in France, the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, and the repression of protesters in Tehran. He answered that he had recently returned to the capital and was still haunted by two separate tragedies: the killing of innocent civilians in the war and the execution of demonstrators on the streets.
“One was the death of a number of innocent people, children, members of the civilian population who died in the war,” he said. “Before that, we had the death of a number of demonstrators, people who went to the street to protest, and they were equally innocent.” He added that both events were “extremely painful and will never be forgotten.”
Farhadi emphasized that condemning state violence does not preclude criticism of war casualties. “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 explained. “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.”
The Director’s Call for Universal Human Rights
He continued, “Any murder is a crime. Under no circumstances can I accept the fact that another human being should lose their life, be it at war, be it executions, be it massacres of demonstrators.” Farhadi’s statement was a powerful reminder that, in a world that has seen progress, the daily news of innocent deaths remains a stark reality.
His remarks came after a series of high‑profile protests in Iran, where authorities have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators. The director also referenced the ongoing war in the region, where civilian infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted, a tactic he has labeled a war crime.
Parallel Tales and Farhadi’s Filmography
Parallel Tales, loosely inspired by an episode of Krzysztof Kieslowski’s television series Dekalog, features an acclaimed French cast that includes Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Cassel. The film’s premiere on the Croisette added a layer of cultural significance to Farhadi’s political statements, demonstrating how cinema can serve as a platform for social critique.
Farhadi’s reputation as a filmmaker who refuses to compromise on artistic integrity is well documented. He won the Grand Prix at Cannes for A Hero in 2021, and his earlier works, A Separation (2011) and The Salesman (2016), earned Oscars for Best International Feature. In 2017, he boycotted the Academy Awards in protest against President Donald Trump’s travel ban on several Muslim‑majority countries, including Iran.
Exile and the Future of Iranian Cinema
Since leaving Iran, Farhadi has pledged not to make films in the country while censorship laws remain in place. He has called on fellow filmmakers to speak out against the war, labeling attacks on civilian infrastructure as war crimes. His stance reflects a broader trend among Iranian artists who have gone into exile to preserve their creative freedom.
Iranian cinema continues to be a prominent presence at Cannes. Last year, dissident filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or for It Was Just an Accident and was later sentenced in absentia to a prison term and travel ban for “propaganda activities.” In 2024, Mohammad Rasoulof received a special prize for The Seed of the Sacred Fig and now lives in exile in Germany.
Farhadi’s comments at Cannes underscore the intersection of art, politics, and human rights. His willingness to speak openly about state violence and war demonstrates the power of filmmakers to influence public discourse and bring attention to injustices that might otherwise remain hidden.
What Happens Next?
While Farhadi’s statements have sparked international debate, the situation in Iran remains volatile. The Iranian government has yet to respond publicly to his condemnation, and the ongoing conflict continues to affect civilian populations. Farhadi’s future projects will likely continue to reflect his commitment to social justice, and his advocacy may inspire other artists to use their platforms for political commentary.
For now, the world watches as the director balances his artistic ambitions with his moral responsibilities, using his voice to highlight the human cost of both state oppression and war.
Why it matters
Farhadi’s outspoken stance brings global attention to the plight of Iranian civilians, reminding the international community that war and state violence continue to claim innocent lives.
Key points
- Farhadi calls war and state violence equally cruel
- He urges criticism of both without contradiction
- Parallel Tales features a star‑studded French cast
- Iranian filmmakers in exile are gaining international recognition
- The director has a history of political activism through cinema
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message Farhadi delivered at Cannes?
He condemned both the killing of protesters and war bombings in Iran, calling both acts cruel and tragic.
Why has Farhadi chosen to live outside Iran?
He left Iran in 2023 to avoid censorship and to maintain artistic freedom.
What is the significance of Parallel Tales?
It is a Paris‑set drama featuring renowned French actors and serves as a platform for Farhadi’s political commentary.
How has Farhadi historically engaged with political issues?
He boycotted the 2017 Oscars over Trump’s travel ban and has called for filmmakers to speak against war crimes.
