Renowned Afghan Director Expresses Outrage Over Saudi Visa Denial
In the world of cinema, few names from Afghanistan ring as loud as that of Roya Sadat. The esteemed director’s latest offering, “Sima’s Song,” is currently competing at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. However, Sadat has publicly voiced her frustration after being blocked from entering Saudi Arabia to present her film, despite being granted a visa from the kingdom.
Denied Entry to Saudi Arabia
In an official communication to Variety, Sadat revealed her planned itinerary to Jeddah, where the film festival is taking place. She was scheduled to depart on December 3 to attend the festival and present her film. However, she was denied boarding because Saudi Arabia does not recognize Afghan passports renewed after the Taliban reclaimed power.
Questioning the Visa Process
Sadat raised a significant question about the visa issuance process. She questioned why visas were issued if the kingdom does not accept certain passports. She also shared her confusion about receiving a visa only to have her entry denied later. Despite numerous calls to Jeddah, she was ultimately not allowed to travel.
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The Red Sea Film Festival representatives have yet to respond to requests for confirmation and comment.
Two Issues of Frustration
In a follow-up email, Sadat expressed her deep frustration over two issues in this seemingly absurd situation. Firstly, the Saudi authorities refused to honor the visa they themselves issued. Secondly, she pointed out the hypocrisy in the fact that the Taliban, who hold the same passports as hers and millions of other Afghans, face no such restrictions.
A Tale of Two Visas
Sadat highlighted that the current Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, a U.S.-designated terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head, reportedly recently visited Saudi Arabia. He specifically traveled to Jeddah and to the Kaaba in the Holy City of Mecca, which is the most important mosque in Islam, for a pilgrimage.
In stark contrast, Sadat, an artist, was denied entry, while Haqqani, a terrorist, was granted entry. This discrepancy led Sadat to consider withdrawing her film from the festival in protest of this policy. However, she decided against this action out of respect for the two actors and the producer who had already arrived in Jeddah.
About “Sima’s Song”
“Sima’s Song” tells the story of a wealthy Communist and a poor Muslim woman as they navigate the country’s socialist transition during the Soviet invasion and the emergence of anti-Soviet resistance movements. The film premiered at the Tokyo Film Festival last month.
Roya Sadat: A Pioneering Figure
Sadat is a pioneering figure in Afghan cinema. Her career spans the turbulent evolution of filmmaking in her homeland. She began her journey by writing her first screenplay during the initial Taliban regime, a time when screening movies could result in public lashings. Today, she is one of Afghanistan’s most prominent directors.
Naman Ramachandran contributed to this report
FAQs
Who is Roya Sadat?
Roya Sadat is a prominent Afghan director known for her impactful movies. Her latest film, “Sima’s Song,” is currently competing at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Why was Roya Sadat denied entry into Saudi Arabia?
Despite possessing a Saudi visa, Sadat was denied entry into Saudi Arabia because the kingdom does not recognize Afghan passports renewed after the Taliban’s return to power.
What is “Sima’s Song” about?
“Sima’s Song” tells the story of a wealthy Communist and a poor Muslim woman as they navigate Afghanistan’s socialist transition during the Soviet invasion and the emergence of anti-Soviet resistance movements.
What was Sadat’s response to the visa denial?
Sadat expressed deep frustration over the incident and pointed out the hypocrisy in the visa issuance process. Despite considering withdrawing her film from the festival in protest, she ultimately decided to let it go out of respect for her team who had already arrived in Jeddah.
Credit: variety.com
