The True State of ‘Film Culture’ in Today’s Iran

by John T. Simpson

Speaking at a film seminar in Tehran this past week, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis made the following statement regarding the recent controversy over such films as “300″ and “The Wrestler,” which resulted in the Iranian government demanding apologies for the cultural slanders contained within:

Mr. Ganis praised Iranian civilization and said the film “300″ was based on a comic strip; its audience was not interested in the film’s credibility.

“No film can distort Iran culture,” Mr. Ganis added.

While it may be true that no film can distort Iranian culture as the esteemed Mr. Ganis claims, the current Islamist regime in Iran can most certainly distort culture in film, and do. And they have created masterpieces that would have had Hitler and Goebbels in jaw-dropping awe. You really only need to see the names.  (more…)