“Trapped Between Pain and Hope”: Mohsen Makhmalbaf Speaks Out Against War and Dictatorship

 “Trapped Between Pain and Hope”: Mohsen Makhmalbaf Speaks Out Against War and Dictatorship

Tehran – As the threat of war between Iran and Israel escalates, renowned Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf is raising his voice against both the looming conflict and the ongoing repression inside his homeland. In a powerful statement, Makhmalbaf says the people of Iran are “trapped between pain and hope,” caught under the dual weight of external violence and internal authoritarianism.

“Today, the people of Iran are living under the crushing pressure of two forces,” he said. “On one side, the rising threat of war. On the other, the daily oppression of a dictatorship.”

Makhmalbaf, known globally for his socially conscious films, has long been an outspoken advocate for peace. His work often reflects a deep concern for human suffering and a sharp critique of power — whether wielded by foreign militaries or domestic regimes.

“I have always opposed war through my films,” he said. “Wars come to an end, but the innocent children who are killed never return. They will never get to witness peace.”

But Makhmalbaf’s message extends beyond anti-war sentiment. A longtime critic of the Islamic Republic, he’s equally unwavering in his stance against political repression. “I have always stood against dictatorship as strongly as I’ve stood against war,” he said. “The freedom of human beings — regardless of geography, religion, or ethnicity — has always been at the heart of my work.”

Despite censorship and exile, Makhmalbaf has continued to make films that challenge authority and reflect the voices of the marginalized. His commitment to truth and justice, he says, is rooted in a deep belief that storytelling can change minds — and lives.

“We are trapped between pain and hope,” he said. “But I still believe in the power of art to lead us toward freedom.”