Jailed Iranian filmmakers backed by Hollywood

In September, producer Katayoun Shahabi, directors Naser Saffarian, Hadi Afarideh, Mojtaba Mirtahmasb and Shahnam Bazdar and documentarian Mohsen Shahrnazdar were thrown into jail for work they did with BBC. Earlier this month, director Jafar Panahi was put under house arrest, and actress Marzieh Vafamehr was sentenced to 90 lashes for a film she did in Australia that questions some of Iran's policies.

Now several Hollywood organizations are taking a stand in support of the filmmakers.

The Hollywood Reporter reported the organizations represent some of the most notable Tinseltown writers, directors, actors and even the people behind the Oscars.

A statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says, "We join our colleagues around the world in calling unequivocally for these filmmakers' safety, release, and return to filmmaking."

Reuters reported the Directors Guild of America said, "We hope the Iranian government will release these filmmakers and recognize that their creative works can only strengthen and enrich Iranian society."

Other organizations showing their support include the Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild of America, Writers Guilds of America, West and East, American Cinema Editors and American Society of Cinematographers.