Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Amiryousefi will debut his latest work, “The Banning Curse” (Nefrin-e Toghif), at the 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival on Wednesday. The film, which Amiryousefi wrote and directed, is described as cinematic autofiction exploring the obstacles and artistic contradictions inherent in radical filmmaking.
The director and his editor, Kamy Saffari, were unable to secure United Kingdom visas and therefore cannot travel to London for the premiere. Amiryousefi’s career has been marked by repeated official bans in Iran, a circumstance that directly informed the thematic content of his latest project. After his debut feature won recognition at Cannes, the Iranian government banned the work, initiating a pattern that has persisted throughout his filmmaking career.
“The Banning Curse” blends biographical elements with fictional construction, integrating archival footage to examine both Amiryousefi’s personal history and Iran’s complex political and cultural landscape. The film features conversations between the director and a character known as the Angel of Death, a recurring figure in his previous works. According to Amiryousefi, this symbolic presence reflects the psychological experience common among Iranian citizens.
Production took place indoors without official shooting permits or substantial financial resources, a methodology familiar to many Iranian filmmakers operating under restrictive conditions. The project marked Amiryousefi’s first experience performing as an actor. The film incorporates references spanning Italian cinema, contemporary Hollywood productions, and Iranian film history, with influences including Federico Fellini and director Abbas Kiarostami.
When asked about potential consequences of his work, the 54-year-old director acknowledged becoming more cautious with age, though he maintains optimism about eventual artistic freedoms in Iran. He expressed confidence that distribution channels such as virtual screenings and streaming platforms will enable Iranian audiences to access his films despite official restrictions.
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