Farhadi Decries Civilian Deaths as “Extremely Cruel and Tragic” at Cannes

Farhadi’s new film *Parallel Tales* premiered on the Croisette, prompting a press conference that turned to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, and the crackdown on demonstrators at home. The Oscar‑winning filmmaker, who has lived abroad since 2023, said he was in Tehran last week and still felt the weight of two “tragic events”: the killing of civilians in the war and the death of protesters on the streets.

He told reporters, “Any murder is a crime. Under no circumstances can I accept the fact that another human being should lose their life, be it at war, be it executions, be it massacres of demonstrators.” Farhadi emphasized that condemning state‑led bombings does not imply support for the execution of protesters, and vice‑versa. He described the loss of innocent lives as “extremely cruel and tragic,” noting that daily headlines still report new civilian deaths without justification.

The director’s stance aligns with his long‑standing opposition to censorship and state violence. He has vowed not to work in Iran while censorship laws remain, and earlier this year urged fellow filmmakers to denounce attacks on civilian infrastructure as war crimes. Farhadi’s protest record includes boycotting the 2017 Academy Awards to oppose Donald Trump’s travel ban on several Muslim‑majority countries, including Iran.

*Parallel Tales*, loosely inspired by Krzysztof Kieślowski’s *Dekalog* series, features a French cast led by Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Cassel. Farhadi previously won Cannes’ Grand Prix for *A Hero* (2021) and two Oscars for Best International Feature with *A Separation* (2011) and *The Salesman* (2016).

Farhadi’s remarks add to a growing chorus of exiled Iranian artists speaking out against the regime’s policies. Last year, dissident filmmaker Jafar Panahi won Cannes’ Palme d’Or, while Mohammad Rasoulof received a special prize in 2024, both living in exile.

What to watch next: Monitor how Farhadi’s condemnation influences international pressure on Iran and whether it spurs further artistic boycotts or diplomatic actions regarding the conflict.