Martin Scorsese supports jailed Iranian director over Cannes screening
Martin Scorsese has joined a petition calling for the release of Iranian director Saeed Roustaee, who was sentenced to six months in prison for screening his film "Leila's Brothers" at the Cannes film festival. The film, which depicts the economic struggles of a family in Tehran, is banned in Iran. Scorsese's daughter, Francesca, launched the petition, which has garnered two-thirds of its 15,000-signature target. The Cannes festival organizers have condemned the sentencing as a violation of free speech for Iranian artists, filmmakers, producers, and technicians. Roustaee gained international recognition for his film "Just 6.5," which explores Iran's drug problem and the ineffective police response.