Iran is to enjoy a year of culture over the next 12 months, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said yesterday in his national address marking Persian New year. This will include a focus on the film industry and there are hopes that it will lead to an increase in available state funding.
Khamenei argued that the Revolutionary Guards Corps should have more control over cinema, but filmmakers working in the area say censorship is gradually relaxing. They are no finding themselves less restricted when addressing cultural issues such as superstition and illegal drug use, but political filmmaking that may be seen as criticism of the state is still very difficult. Jafar Panahi has been released from house arrest but still has limitations placed on his movements and is banned from making films.
With 170 features in production this year - double the number made last year - the industry is booming. Interest in careers in film has grown phenomenally and there are also more women getting involved. The popular Fatemeh Motamed-Arya has been allowed to return to acting following a two year ban.
