Release Mojgan Ilanlou!

The International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk and its founding institutions, the International Film Festival Rotterdam, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and European Film Academy, protest vehemently against the arrest of Iranian documentary filmmaker Mojgan Ilanlou and demand her immediate and unconditional release.

Throughout her career, Mojgan Ilanlou, documentary filmmaker and advocate for women's rights, has been portraying women. In October 2022, she was arrested and imprisoned after removing her veil and sharing the photos on social media. Her latest documentary, ONE THOUSAND WOMEN is about young Iranian women who only want to be able to exercise their favourite sport - wrestling. Mojgan Ilanlou was now summoned by the Tehran Intelligence and Security Police and subsequently transferred to Evin Detention Center.

This comes just a few days after an unfair court sentence against filmmaker Saeed Roustayi.

We are alarmed by the atmosphere of fear and animosity that has been created by the Iranian authorities, especially with the upcoming anniversary of the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.

Our colleagues from the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) stand against oppression and for an environment where creativity thrives. We stand with them and declare our full and heartfelt solidarity with all those in Iran who stand up for their basic human rights and the freedom of expression and call on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mojgan Ilanlou and her colleagues. We encourage all film and culture institutions around the world to do the same.

International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk

International Film Festival Rotterdam

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

European Film Academy