Iranian film makers talk of the perils of their craft ahead of the Persian film festival in Sydney. This clip touches on issues of diaspora and challenging stereotypes of what it means to be “Persian”.
‘”Every year, we have so many films getting produced that are seen internationally but are banned within Iran. Quite incredibly, many get a cinema release [in Iran] for a week but then get banned when the subject [that the script] was referring to is seen on the screen. Our filmmakers are doing an amazing job of keeping their voice.”
‘Palangi is quick to stress, however, that it would be happier for all involved if the censorship did not exist. “I want it to be clear that I am not saying that the restrictions have improved the quality of our cinema! Had the restrictions not been in place, I think we would have flourished a lot more.”
The Other Sociologist 