Transcript Conventions of Iranian Cinema

• Milani
• State vs Film makers
Conventions of Iranian Cinema(t)
Can you identify 5 conventions from the films that
you have seen so far ?( 10, Persepolis, Offside, Shirin)
1
2
3
4
5
Conventions of Iranian Cinema
• An interest in experimenting with form and style
• Women are often central characters; their role in
society the focus of many films
• There is a focus on contemporary society rather
than on historical events
• Ambiguity of style- documentary or fiction?
• Films are ‘open’, leaving it to the audience to
decide
• History( timeline)
• Censor
• Repressive regime vs. artistic expression
History of Iranian cinema
Inextricably linked to the state- secular or
religious; an important tool for
1. Reinforcing the regimes point of view through
teaching the population.
2. Representing Iranian culture to the world.
3. Majority of Iranian film is state funded- context
of strict Islamic belief. Strict dress behavioural
codes foe women.
4. Hair/ loose fitting Garments/ Touching…..almost
impossible to recreate realistic relationships on
film.
Role of the censor
• Pre- production
• Post- production
• Rating and classification
• The Result?
Repressive Regime vs. Artistic expression
Artists
Nature of
an Islamic
Republic
Iranian cinema is one of
the most innovative and
experimental cinemas
within the context of a
repressive
fundamentalist regime.
HOW???
The State
Why the apparent contradiction?
• Not necessarily a clear opposition between all Film
makers and the Islamic Republic
• Filmmakers have been supported by liberal
segments within the government particularly in the
1990s before Pr. Ahmadinejad, constantly stretching
the limits.
• Film is an art form in Iran. Too powerful to be
ignored. No RR.
• Iranian cinema held in high regard in theWest.
Propaganda victory? Challenges stereotypes? Axis
of evil….funding state films and then banning them
The system of REGULATION means……
Many films are defined as Iranian cinema but
they are never released in Iran- often made
there.
This context makes the situation difficult very
hard for filmmakers. Western filmmakers rarely
have to consider.
DISCUSS IN PAIRS !
1) Do you make a film which will pass censorship
rules but may compromise your own vision?
2) If your film isn’t released in Iran who are you
making the film for?
3) Western audiences may appreciate Iranian art
cinema but is this just preaching to the
converted?
4) What about the safety of yourself and your
family if you make a film which is critical of the
regime?