Iranian film-maker protests against UK visa experience

May 08 2009 by Ranjan Chakraborty

Abbas put off by UK immigration

Renowned Iranian film-maker Abbas Kiarostami has given up on applying for a temporary UK work visa because of what he saw as disrespectful treatment by the British authorities.

Mr. Kiarostami had been due to direct a production of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte – one of the English National Opera’s highlights – in London, but found the process of applying for the temporary UK work permit to be too time-consuming and unpleasant.

Mr. Kiarostami, who claims that he experienced no problems visiting France and Italy, said the new UK visa system was "unduly time-consuming and hugely complicated". Speaking from his home in Tehran, Mr. Kiarostami said: "[The ENO] respected my position and my principles in spite of the obvious fact that it was putting them in a very precarious and disagreeable position. I have to confess that this gives me hope – the world is still a liveable place malgré tout."

A spokesman for the British Film Institute, which is releasing Mr. Kiarostami's latest film Shirin next month, commented: "It is regrettable when somebody of his stature is made to feel like his presence in this country is not desirable. It is such a great shame and a very sad day for culture in Britain when one of the world's greatest artists of his time is not able to come and present his work."

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