Exiled

Exiled Iranian Director Mohammad Rasoulof Illuminates Hope for Censored Filmmakers with Oscar Submission at Busan Film Fest

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Busan, South Korea – At this year’s Busan International Film Festival, Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, now living in exile in Germany, expressed optimism that his latest film, “The Seed Of The Sacred Fig,” being chosen as Germany’s official Oscars submission could inspire other filmmakers facing stringent censorship. Selected for the Best International Feature category, the film highlights challenges faced by artists in oppressive regimes, Rasoulof offered these comments while presiding over the New Currents jury. Rasoulof, who fled Iran just before the Cannes film festival earlier this year, has faced significant political oppression for his … Read more

Belarusian President Grants Himself Immunity and Blocks Exiled Opposition Leaders from Future Elections

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Minsk, Belarus – In a move to solidify his power and eliminate potential challengers in the upcoming presidential elections, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a new law granting him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution. The law also aims to prevent opposition leaders living in exile from running in future elections. This controversial legislation, which technically applies to any former president and their family members, is primarily targeted at Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for nearly three decades. With the next presidential election scheduled for 2025, the new law significantly tightens … Read more