Iranian director Asghar Farhadi who is showing his displeasure against U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban by not attending the Oscars this year, feels global protest to this ban is powerful.
The 44 year-old, while talking to 10,000 protestors in London said that solidarity in the face of the ban across different parts of the world "has developed into a powerful and unified movement," reports The Hollywood Reporter.
"This solidarity is off to a great start. I hope this movement will continue and spread for it has within itself the power to stand up to fascism, be victorious in the face of extremism and say no to oppressive political powers everywhere," he added.
'A Separation' director spoke to the protestors through a video link from Tehran to people attending a London protest gathering, including a public screening of The Salesman in Trafalgar Square.
London's mayor Sadiq Khan, who was present at the screening with Farhadi said, "President Trump can't silence me. As I look around Trafalgar Square, I am proud and you should be proud, too, because here today we have men and women, old and young, rich and poor, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists ... we have people from all around the world and the key message we send to the world is London is open."
Farhadi, also said that we all are citizens of the world and he endeavour to spread this unity.
On a related note, Farhadi's 'The Salesman' is nominated for the best foreign-language film category at the Oscars.