According to honaronline.ir, Mazaheri said he was unable to attend the festival due to the travel ban imposed by Republican President Donald Trump. He said in a video message that he and his crew were unable to get visas for Tribeca. He said his absence was 'a pity' in view of the "fascinating decisions" by Trump.
According to ISNA, courts have halted Trump's bid to stop immigration from six predominantly Muslim counties: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Trump has appealed the courts' rulings, saying he's trying to keep the United States safe.
The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff, reportedly in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the consequent loss of vitality in the Tribeca neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, although there are reports that its founding was underway prior to the events of 9/11.
The Iranian short film has been also introduced for Oscar academy.
Due to special focus of the academy on short films which have been introduced by American festival and the importance and credibility of Tribeca Film Festival, “Retouch” has a big chance to receive Oscar.