Iranian-American actor Anthony Azizi has raised serious concerns about the growing persecution of the Baha’i minority in Iran, describing the situation as a direct assault on basic human rights. Speaking during promotions for his latest film Cast Aside the Clouds, Azizi emphasized that recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have worsened conditions for Baha’is, who continue to face arrests, imprisonment, and threats of execution.
Known for his work in shows like CSI and Tehran, Azizi stars in the upcoming drama alongside Parmiss Sehat. The film tells the story of a young Baha’i woman navigating faith, identity, and systemic discrimination in Iran. Set against a tense socio-political backdrop, the narrative explores both personal struggles and broader issues of religious oppression.
The movie, directed by Mary Darling, is scheduled to premiere in New York on May 18, followed by a Los Angeles screening in early June, with additional showings planned across the United States. Filmed in Athens to replicate Tehran, the story follows Layla, a Baha’i student secretly pursuing education, and her relationship with a Muslim doctor, highlighting the risks faced by interfaith connections in restrictive environments.
Azizi’s connection to the story is deeply personal. Born in Tehran into a Baha’i family, he shared that members of his own family suffered severe consequences for their beliefs, including imprisonment, loss of property, and execution. He recounted how two relatives were killed after refusing to renounce their faith in Bahá’u’lláh, underscoring the long-standing challenges faced by the community.
Director Darling noted that persecution of Baha’is dates back centuries but warned that current tensions have intensified accusations against them, often labeling them as foreign agents. She highlighted recent cases involving individuals allegedly subjected to torture and forced confessions, reflecting ongoing human rights concerns.
The film’s title draws inspiration from a poem by Táhirih, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and the pursuit of unity—core principles of the Baha’i faith. Beyond storytelling, the filmmakers hope to spark global conversations about religious discrimination affecting various communities worldwide.