Let Acclaimed Iranian Director Rokhsareh Ghaemmaghami into NZ

Shout out to Suvdog

We are known to be a country that encourages film making and encourages people to speak out for what they believe in. Why would she want to stay here This lady is an international film make wanted throughout the world in appearances

This highly respected film creator needs a Visa - she deserves fair treatment from NZ Immigration Dept.

She would be an asset were she to stay, but unlikely to want to, after this action by NZ officials.

Don't deny us the opportunity to meet and learn from this woman.

It seems very strange that the purpose of Rokhsareh's visit and her international track record as a filmmaker were not addressed in the written decision to exclude her. The decision should be reviewed.

Please, immigration NZ, don't embarrass yourself... and us.

The denial sounds like a farce

Immigration NZ: please reverse this embarrassing decision.

This issue seems to be also a question related to the trust New Zealean State ought to grant a Film Festival. If this festival is not seen as a subversive institution by govenment authorities, any invited guest should of course be accepted. If not New Zealand seems to have a problem with freedom of speech, public enlightenment, chain of command etc. Do you have a Ministry of Culture or a Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for the festival? They should be able to clear such matters, not the guests of the festival nor the international film community. Some of the organizers behind must have red faces? Kindly, Arne Bro, Vice Director, The National Film School of Denmark

T

Welcome this woman who is a voice for the many who cannot speak for their rights in our world today New Zealanders welcome her with an open heart and not by fear.

This is a weird and apparently arbitrary decision. Please reverse it and return some credibility to the Immigration Service.

Doesn't get much more ridiculous! She is on an international promotional tour for her movie. As if she is going to disappear here!

Ms Tong needs better supervision.

We will trust the immigration Minister gets his department to see sense

This is an embarassing and shortsighted action on the part of NZ Immigration that not only prevents the sharing of creative knowledge from an award winning female filmmaker; but also prevents informed discussion about a recognised human rights issue - enforced arranged marriages of young women against their will - the topic of the directors film. Not only does this decision give the impression that NZ is full of xenophobes, it also suggests an immigration service unable to use Google to verify the existence of a well established Documentary Film Festival. I can only hope that "lack of ties in her home country" is not immigration profiling code for an outspoken, independent, unmarried woman without children from a Middle Eastern country. Shameful.

i cant believe the absolute ignorance of theresia tong--it sounds like racism to me

Why would she want to stay in NZ when she is apparently welcome and acclaimed in US?

Very embarrassing for NZ.