Rasoulof Fights Back Against Film Censorship

Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has spoken out against the continued repression of cinema in his home country. Receiving the Kurosawa Akira Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival, Rasoulof pointed to the recent five-year prison sentence and property confiscation handed down to fellow filmmaker Jafar Panahi as evidence.

Rasoulof, who himself faced arrest and a five-year sentence in 2010, stated that many Iranian filmmakers are now committed to telling their stories directly. He explained his personal decision to abandon allegory, a method previously used for self-protection, in favor of direct narrative to confront the authorities.

The festival committee recognized Rasoulof for his films addressing human rights abuses and his persistence despite pressure. Meanwhile, Japanese director O Mipo was also honored for her sensitive portrayals of marginalized individuals, particularly children, and her efforts to balance filmmaking with motherhood.