Farhadi Condemns Iranian Civilian Deaths at Cannes Premiere of Parallel Tales

Context Farhadi, who has lived outside Iran since 2023, spoke at a press conference on the Croisette after his Paris‑set drama Parallel Tales screened on Thursday night. The director, a two‑time Oscar winner, has repeatedly criticized censorship and state violence in his homeland. His remarks came amid broader discussions about the Iran‑Israel‑US conflict and the repression of domestic protests.

Key Facts Farhadi described the deaths of civilians in Iran as extremely cruel and tragic. He said one tragic event was the death of innocent civilians, including children, in the war. He also referenced the killing of demonstrators who took to the streets to protest, calling both episodes equally painful and unforgettable.

What It Means By linking wartime casualties with protester deaths, Farhadi argues that condemning state violence does not require choosing sides. His stance reinforces a growing call among Iranian artists abroad to speak out against attacks on civilian infrastructure, which he labels a war crime. The premiere of Parallel Tales adds a high‑profile cultural moment to that advocacy.

Watch for how Farhadi’s comments influence upcoming festival panels and whether other Iranian filmmakers echo his call for solidarity at future international events.