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 The directors from Iran, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and
Australia spoke out in a statement as hundreds of people
attended a rally on the eve of Oscar weekend. The rally was
organized by one of Hollywood's biggest talent agencies in
support of freedom of expression and unity.
The statement and show-business rally in Beverly Hills followed
a crackdown by U.S. President Donald Trump on travel to the
United States, and months of fiery speeches by celebrities at
awards shows and marches.
Iranian film director Asghar Farhadi, is boycotting Sunday's
Oscar ceremony in protest at Trump's bid to ban travel from
seven majority Muslim nations.
Speaking to the rally in a video from Tehran, Farhadi denounced
politicians whom he said are "trying to promote hate but
creating divisions between cultures, traditions and
nationalities."
Farhadi was also part of the group that attacked "divisive
walls," and the divisions of "genders, colors, religions and
sexualities" in current politics.
"We would like to express our unanimous and emphatic disapproval
of the climate of fanaticism and nationalism we see today in the
U.S. and in so many other countries, in parts of the population
and, most unfortunately of all, among leading politicians," said
the statement, issued to trade publications Variety and the
Hollywood Reporter.
It was signed by Farhadi director of "The Salesman", Martin
Zandvliet (Demark's "Land of Mine"), Hannes Holm (Sweden's "A
Man Called Ove"), Maren Ade (Germany's "Toni Erdmann"), and
Martin Butler and Bentley Dean (Australia's "Tanna".)
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The directors said that "regardless of who wins the Academy Award
for best foreign language film on Sunday, we refuse to think in
terms of borders."
"We dedicate this award to all the people, artists, journalists and
activists who are working to foster unity and understanding, and who
uphold freedom of expression and human dignity."
Their statement echoed speeches at the Beverly Hills rally,
organized by the United Talent Agency in place of its annual Oscar
party.
Actress Jodie Foster urged the crowd of about 500 people to take
action to defend civil liberties and democracy.
"It's our time to show up and demand answers. It's our time to tell
our elected officials to do their job (and) that we will not
tolerate chaos, ineptitude and war mongering," she said.
(Editing by Jill Serjeant and Sandra Maler)
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