Another Iranian director decries US sanctions

Iranian filmmaker Shahram Mokri has denounced the US sanctions imposed on Iran, saying the measures are obstructing co-production with other countries.

Mokri, the director of ‘Careless Crimes’ which is taking part in the 77th Venice International Film Festival in Italy, made the remarks in an EU-hosted event held on the sidelines of the festival.

Mokri said Iran is one of the most attractive countries in the Middle East for co-production of films.

He cited a number of factors that make Iran attractive for joint productions, including Iran’s rich literature, more than 100 years of history of cinema in the country; and its skilled and low-cost cinema workforce.

Mokri added that there are four seasons in Iran, noting that such weather enables filmmakers to shoot their movies in various climatic conditions.

Further, he noted that the US sanctions, which prevent the transfer of money between Iranian banks and other countries, are hindering co-productions.

Mokri’s ‘Careless Crimes’ was screened in the festival’s Horizons section on Tuesday.

Iranian renowned filmmaker Majid Majidi, whose movie ‘Sun Children’ was named among the official selection of the Italian festival, also condemned the “inhuman” US sanctions.

The 77th edition of Venice International Film Festival opened on September 2 and will run until Saturday.

SQ/MM