Marathon Pundit: Censorship: Iran to punish directors who participate in unauthorized film festivals

"Over many centuries your art, your music, literature and innovation have made the world a better and more beautiful place." Barack Obama, Nowruz address to the Iranian people, March 20, 2009.

The mad mullahs in Iran aren't impressed by some of Iran's contemporary cultural contributions, at least in film, as the Tehran Times tells us:

Iranian filmmakers will face governmental punitive action if their films are found participating in foreign events without a license for a foreign premiere from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

"Directors will be banned from filmmaking for one year if their films, which have not received a license for foreign screening, are shown at international events," Deputy Culture Minister for Cinematic Affairs Javad Shamaqdarii said during a press conference on Tuesday.

"They will also be deprived of any governmental services for that duration," he added.

The rule has been established to deter screening of Iranian movies that allegedly blemish the national image abroad.

Barack Obama's "Muslim Outreach" isn't working out too well.

As for the Iranian film industry, scripts must ba approved by the culture ministry in order to receive a production permit. My guess is that the fellows in the ministry have crappy taste in movies. Before the film is screened in Iran, or abroad, another permit is needed. While this prevents a Persian version of "Bio Dome" from seeing the light of day, movies even mildly critical of the Islamic state, or ones advocating more rights for women or religious minorities don't get approved. Which makes Iran and the rest of the world a less beautiful place.

Look for the Hollywood left to speak up for the rights of Iranian directors when you're watching the next awards show. (I'm kidding.)

Technorati tags: