Iranian director and producer face jail for showing film at Cannes

The film also depicts security forces beating demonstrators protesting Iran’s ailing economy, which has already sparked mass protests and bloody security force crackdowns killing hundreds

Director Saeed Roustayi and his producer reportedly face prison time and being barred from filmmaking after they showcased a movie at the Cannes Film Festival without Iranian government approval (Daniel Cole/AP)

An Iranian filmmaker and his producer reportedly face prison time and being barred from filmmaking after they showcased a movie at the Cannes Film Festival without government approval, drawing immediate criticism internationally from leading American director Martin Scorsese and others.

Director Saeed Roustayi and producer Javad Norouzbeigi travelled to Cannes last year to show Leila’s Brothers, competing for the festival’s grand Palme d’Or prize.