As an activist festival rooted in the foundational belief that art can inspire change, the Tribeca Festival stands in solidarity with award-winning Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti. On December 17, Taraneh was arrested after courageously using her voice and platform to condemn the execution of Mohsen Shekari for his role during the country’s ongoing protests. We are deeply concerned for Taraneh’s safety, and join film festivals, filmmakers, and artists around the world in calling for her immediate release from the infamous Evin prison in Tehran. Tribeca, a creative community and organization made up of 70 percent women, commends Taraneh, a supporter of women’s rights, for her unfathomable bravery, defiantly speaking out against the Iranian government while not wearing a head covering. We, too, declare, “Woman, life, freedom!” We demand her immediate release alongside the release of other members of Iran’s art and entertainment community who have risked their lives to speak out against the government, including acclaimed filmmakers Jafar Panahi, Mohammad Rasoulof, and Mostafa Al-Ahmad. We insist they be set free so they can return to their families and to their work as artists and activists–we need their voices now more than ever. Please join us in using your voice and platform–no matter how big or small your reach–to speak out against this human rights injustice. Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder and CEO, Tribeca Festival Robert De Niro, Co-Founder, Tribeca Festival #TaranehAlidoosti #FreeTaranehAlidoosti #WomanLifeFreedom