Director of the film Subtraction, Mani Haghighi barred from leaving Iran to attend London Film Festival

 Iranian filmmaker Mani Haghighi will not attend the premiere of his latest film Subtraction which is selected at the London Film Festival after the Iran Govt. prevent him from boarding a flight to London. A spokesperson for the BFI London Film Festival informed the press that Haghighi was turned away at the airport by Iranian authorities and his passport was confiscated. 

“He has returned to his home in Tehran. We understand that no reason has been given to Mani Haghighi for the confiscation,” the statement continued. “The BFI London Film Festival supports Haghighi and all filmmakers in their freedom to make their films and present them around the world.” The spokesperson added: “Earlier this week, in solidarity with imprisoned Iranian filmmakers and the brave women of Iran who are challenging for their freedom, BFI London Film Festival filmmakers and delegates joined Festival Director, Tricia Tuttle, in a moment of solidarity and reflection.”Haghighi traveled to Toronto for the world premiere of Subtraction in September. Haghighi shared a video explaining the episode. in response shortly after the news broke.

This latest action from the Iranian authorities comes after weeks of protests following the death of Mahsa Amini who died in police custody on September 16. Amini died three days after being arrested for wearing her hijab too loosely. Iranian authorities say she died of a heart attack. Eyewitnesses and people detained with the young woman say she was badly beaten. The girl’s father has said his daughter had no underlying health problems.