Let Acclaimed Iranian Director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami into NZ

Please, reconsider your decision and the reasons for a rejection of entry into New Zealand for this person. Being a woman of somewhat public interest she won't have a chance to disappear or even an interest to do so. Do you want to look like refusing education on such a topic for New Zealanders?

I am appalled that NZ audiences can so easily be deprived of the opportunity to hear and engage with an artist of such renown. This decision puts in doubt the visa process.

No real reason given. She's only going to be here for legitimate purposes that will benefit the film industry and this is now very embarrassing. I was sent this petition from a UK film maker!

This is incredibly embarrassing that a country like ours would simply judge a person by their cultural identity to justify their position that this acclaimed filmmaker would "overstay her visit". A complete shame.

Ka tautoko noa i te tuahine ra.

Welcome empowered women into our country. We need their influence now more than ever.

A very embarrassing situation for the NZ arts reputation on a global scale.

Let her in!

Very disappointed that NZIS has declined Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami's application for a visitor's visa - hope they 'come to their senses' in time for us to hear her speak in NZ

C'mon Minister, don't embarrass us, reverse the decision and grant this film director a visitors Visa,

Please reverse what appears to have been an erroneous decision based on a lack of research. The information is now available so please amend the decision.

So we want to repress a film maker from a repressed country, oxymoronic

Allow her voice to be heard!

I haven't seen the filmmaker's work, and can not vouch for it. Regardless, the system of BDS against artists, art, and works of cultural merit regardless of an artist's home country is equivalent to censorship, and unworthy of a democratic country's value system.

To the bureaucrats: 5 min of googling and you would have known who she was... please make an effort next time. Earn your salary.

Looks like someone didn't take off their American paranoia glasses, before making this decision.

Documentary filmmakers need to be able to show and introduce their work internationally.

why would she overstay when it is very difficult to fund documentaries in NZ!!!!!

This is ridiculous - let Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami speak at the Documentary Edge Fest. Embarrassing to say the least.

shameful ignorance