Roger Corman, legendary B-movie king who mentored top directors, passes away at 98; Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof escapes country before Cannes debut and other news

Celebrated Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has made headlines after fleeing Iran ahead of the premiere of his latest film at the Cannes Film Festival. Rasoulof, who was sentenced to eight years in prison and flogging in Iran, made the difficult decision to leave his home country and seek exile in Europe.

In a statement released on Sunday, Rasoulof expressed his heartbreak over the situation, stating, “I had to choose between prison and leaving Iran. With a heavy heart, I chose exile.” This bold move comes as a shock to the entertainment industry and sheds light on the challenges faced by artists in oppressive regimes.

Meanwhile, the entertainment world also mourns the loss of legendary B-movie king Roger Corman, who passed away at the age of 98. Corman, known for his low-budget films and his role in launching the careers of renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese and James Cameron, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the film industry.

On a lighter note, music fans have the opportunity to own a piece of rock history as Eric Clapton’s guitar, used to compose the hit song “Wonderful Tonight,” goes up for sale. With a guide price of up to $500,000, this vintage guitar comes with a unique provenance, including cigarette burns from its previous owner.

As the Cannes Film Festival approaches, festival director Thierry Fremaux reflects on the industry’s shift towards focusing on controversies rather than the art of cinema. Despite the distractions, the festival promises to showcase a lineup of exciting films, including the return of the beloved “Downton Abbey” series with a third movie installment.