Doc Edge organisers: Visa denial a blow to NZ's reputation

Afghan rapper/documentary subject Sonita Alizadeh and director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami (Getty)
Afghan rapper/documentary subject Sonita Alizadeh and director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami (Getty)

The organisers of the Doc Edge International Documentary Film Festival have written an open letter calling for director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami to be allowed to enter New Zealand.

Ghaemmaghami was due to visit New Zealand for a week in May, promoting her film Sonita. But Immigration turned her away, saying she didn't appear to be a "bona fide visitor to New Zealand, genuinely intending a temporary stay for a lawful purpose".

"You do not appear to have strong social, economic and family ties to the country of origin or residence, and we believe these circumstances appear to limit or discourage you from departing New Zealand," its decision read.

Festival organisers Dan Shahan and Alex Lee sent Immigration a copy of her letter of invitation as a part of her visa application process.

It's believed her Iranian passport may have been the sticking point.

"We are disappointed with this decision to decline her visa and note that no one from [Immigration] had enquired with us about her bona fides," the letter reads. "A quick Google search will establish her international reputation."

Sonita, the tale of how an Afghan teenager escaped being sold by her own family into a forced marriage, won the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. It appears at Doc Edge as a finalist in the best international film and best international director categories.

Ghaemmaghami was to be a featured guest at the festival, hosting question-and-answer sessions and classes on filmmaking, before heading to Australia.

The organisers say Immigration's decision has damaged not only the reputation of the decade-old festival, but New Zealand as a country.

"The message going out to the world does not go hand-in-hand with our New Zealand hospitality and as a country which is supposed to promote and support innovations, arts and culture.

"Rokhsareh is widely followed around the world on social media and the fallout has seen international industry and key filmmakers, broadcasters, sales agents and others comment publicly that they condemn the decision and that they will not be wanting to visit New Zealand any time soon."

Shahan told Paul Henry this morning he wants an apology from Immigration. A petition has been set up which had 325 signatures as of this morning.

Newshub.