Head of Cinema Organization: Bahman Ghobadi Can Come to Iran and Make Films

The head of Iran's Cinema Organization, in an interview with the American newspaper 'The Wall Street Journal', has stated that Bahman Ghobadi has no issues making films in Iran. On July 22, the Wall Street Journal published a report on the future of Iranian cinema following the nuclear agreement and interviewed the head of the Cinema Organization of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Hojjatollah Ayubi, the head of the Cinema Organization, mentioned that the West's decision to lift sanctions on Iran would help Iranian films gain visibility abroad. He added, 'The nuclear agreement is a sign of opening Iran's doors to the whole world and vice versa. Now, Iranian cinema, which could previously enter the world through a window, can now enter through the front door.' A significant part of the conversation addressed filmmakers facing restrictions in Iran. Ayubi stated, 'We want to encourage all our filmmakers, including those who did not work during Ahmadinejad's era.' The situation of Jafar Panahi and the restrictions he faces was another topic of Ayubi's remarks: 'Jafar Panahi is a special case because he is the only Iranian filmmaker with legal issues, and the government and the Ministry of Culture cannot do anything for him. On my part and from the judiciary, we are looking for a legal solution for Mr. Panahi's case.' Furthermore, Ayubi commented on Bahman Ghobadi, another Iranian filmmaker currently living abroad, stating, 'The door is open for all Iranian artists, and I know that if Bahman Ghobadi comes to Iran and makes films, he will not face any issues.' The head of the Cinema Organization expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Iranian negotiating team in Vienna and hoped that with the lifting of sanctions, the budget for Iranian cinema in the coming year would also improve. Previously, Hossein Nooshabadi, the spokesman for the Ministry of Culture, had announced to domestic news agencies about the possibility of Jafar Panahi continuing his activities: 'If the restrictions he faces are lifted, the Ministry of Culture will support works that comply with regulations, and he can work and engage in activities.' Jafar Panahi, who is currently serving a period of restrictions and is banned from leaving the country, attended the Berlin Festival last year with his new film 'Taxi' and won the Golden Bear for Best Film. During his period of being banned from working, he directed three films: 'This is Not a Film', 'Closed Curtain', and 'Taxi', which he submitted to festivals. Meanwhile, Bahman Ghobadi has also made a feature film and several short and documentary works during his time abroad. 'Rhino Season', featuring Behrouz Vossoughi and Monica Bellucci, is a feature film by this filmmaker that has been showcased at international festivals in recent years. He also directed a segment of an episodic film at the Venice Festival last year.