Cinema Organization Against Artists; Employment of 'Fleeing' or 'Rule-Breaking' Actors Prohibited

The Cinema Organization of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance announced that actors who have removed their hijab or 'fled the country' will not be allowed to participate in any works. The director of the Film Supervision Department stated that about 10 films are ready for release featuring actors who have engaged in 'hijab removal' or 'fled the country' after their roles. He said, 'These actors will no longer be allowed to appear in any works.' According to ISNA, Rouhollah Sohrabi added, 'Any use of these actors in works produced after hijab removal is illegal, and producers, directors, and investors who employ these individuals should expect consequences.' He also mentioned that the Cinema Organization intends to gradually release films that have not been able to be shown publicly due to the presence of 'law-breaking individuals.' The bill known as 'Hijab and Chastity,' which has recently been approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, has obligated cinema and television producers to obtain guarantees and commitments regarding hijab from actors and crew in new contracts. A member of the Cultural Commission of the Assembly stated in an interview with domestic media, 'A point we have included in this bill, which applies to the Ministry of Culture, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, and some other cultural institutions, is that no contracts should be signed with individuals recognized as offenders until their period of punishment is over.' Following the nationwide protests after 'Mahsa Amini's death in custody of the morality police,' several artists and actors published images of themselves with optional hijab in support of the protesters. Some of these artists, including Katayoun Riahi, Hengameh Ghaziani, Afsaneh Bayegan, and Taraneh Alidoosti, were detained for a period or summoned and interrogated by security agencies. However, the opposition to compulsory hijab continues. The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance acknowledged on August 4 the support of 'prominent cultural and artistic figures' for the protesting people and their 'role-playing' in the nationwide protests, naming these artists as 'flag bearers of the struggle against the Islamic Republic,' stating that many of them have been banned from cultural and artistic activities. The mental health staff's protest against the Islamic Republic's rulings; psychotherapy does not change beliefs. Hengameh Ghaziani's reaction to Ezzatollah Zarghami's statements; don't believe it. Mehdi Ghalian: Sepideh appeared in court without a hijab and chador. The Deputy Minister of Culture stated: 'Collaboration with hijab-removed actors has consequences.' Widespread user protests against the headline and photo of the Tehran municipality's organ; it's shameful. Afsaneh Bayegan also withdrew from acting. The Producers' Union stated: 'The optional hijab of actors is not our concern.' Continued restrictions on actors opposing compulsory hijab; Kayhan's attack and prohibition of participation in cinematic works.