Turkish filmmaker Nuri Bilge Ceylan, the 2014 Cannes Palme d’Or winner for Winter Sleep, is drawing fire from Iran’s Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association (IIFMA) after reports that he allegedly accepted an invitation to attend Iran’s government-run Fajr Film Festival. As Iran’s premier film event, Fajr draws attention from local and international audiences and industry players alike. IIFMA has criticized the move, suggesting that attending a festival run by the state could be interpreted as alignment with government-backed cinema activities and may raise questions about artistic independence. Ceylan, who has earned widespread acclaim for his contributions to Turkish and world cinema, has not issued a public statement regarding the reports. The Fajr Film Festival is expected to take place later this year, continuing to be a focal point for filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles. This controversy underscores ongoing debates about the relationship between independent cinema and state institutions in Iran, as well as broader conversations about artistic neutrality when festival participation intersects with government involvement. Readers interested in international cinema and the evolving dynamics of film festivals can follow updates on this developing story.