What was the duration of the film - making ban on Panahi ?
Despite support from filmmakers , film organizations , and human rights organizations from around the world , in December 2010 Panahi was sentenced to a six - year jail sentence and a 20 - year ban on directing any movies , writing screenplays , giving any form of interview with Iranian or foreign media , or from leaving the country except for medical treatment or going to Hajj pilgrimage .