Film Distributor Claims Russia Blocks Iranian Prostitution Movie Release

The release of an Iranian film called “Holy Spider,” directed by Danish-Iranian Ali Abbasi and based on a true story about a serial killer who targeted sex workers in Iran, has been suspended by Russian authorities, according to a film distributor.

The movie had hit Russian theaters on May 11 but had its distribution license withdrawn by the culture ministry less than a week later.

The reason given was the presence of materials in the film that are prohibited by Russian law.

The suspension comes at a time when Russia and Iran are attempting to strengthen ties, as Russia faces growing isolation from the West over its actions in Ukraine.

Abbasi was not permitted to film in Iran, and the film was eventually shot in Jordan.

The movie won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, causing Iran to protest to France and denounce the selection as “wrong and completely political.”