No One Should Be Imprisoned for acting in a Film!

As filmmakers, actors, artists and cultural workers, we believe in a simple principle: Artistic freedom is a fundamental right. No one should face imprisonment for participating in a work of art.

Today, that principle is being tested!

Hassan El Sayed, a 60-year-old father, actor, and librarian from Copenhagen, was arrested upon arrival at Cairo International Airport on December 20, 2025.He has remained in detention ever since, following a 20-second appearance in Tarik Saleh's film Eagles of the Republic (selected for the Official Competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was chosen as Sweden’s official submission for the Academy Awards). Hassan now faces the prospect of spending many years in prison.

Regardless of one's views on a film's message, actors, extras, and other contributors must never be punished for their participation in artistic works. When people risk imprisonment simply for appearing on screen, the consequences extend far beyond the individual case. It strikes at artistic freedom, freedom of expression, and everyone's right to participate in cultural life without fear.

This case is about a simple and fundamental principle: No one should be imprisoned for 20 seconds in a film.

We therefore call on the authorities to immediately release Hassan El Sayed so that he can return to his family in Denmark.

Please add your name if you believe that art must never be criminalized and that no one should face imprisonment for taking part in a work of artistic expression.