The Likelihood of Some Iranian Series Not Being Broadcast Due to Actors' Bans Increases

Domestic media in Iran report the possibility of some series on domestic networks not being broadcast due to the bans on several actors. Given the audience's reception and the better financial conditions these projects offer to artists, the production of works for domestic networks has significantly increased in recent years. While many series are awaiting broadcast permits from 'Satra', the support of some actors for nationwide protests, their statements on social media, or the removal of mandatory hijab by female artists have provided a new excuse for the Islamic Republic authorities to prevent the broadcast of certain works. 'Pedar Guardiola', directed by Saeed Nematollah, is one of these series that, according to producers, has yet to receive a broadcast permit. Producer Javad Norouzbeigi pointed out that there are challenges in obtaining the broadcast permit, stating that several main actors are banned from appearing on screen. According to him, Hamid Farrokhnejad, Mehran Modiri, Hengameh Ghaziani, Amir Mahdi Joleh, Setareh Eskandari, and Maryam Bobani are actors facing bans. This comes despite Culture and Islamic Guidance Minister Mohammad Mahdi Esmaeili recently stating that an actor's performance should not hinder the release of an artistic work or harm the efforts of other members of the crew. It is still unclear what other objections Satra has raised against this series and under what conditions the creators can obtain a broadcast permit. Although in recent months, other series featuring some of these artists have been broadcast on home networks, it seems that the large number of banned actors in 'Pedar Guardiola' is one of the main excuses. Hamid Farrokhnejad, one of these actors, left the country after supporting public protests and is currently in the United States. After leaving Iran, Mr. Farrokhnejad harshly criticized the Iranian government and Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, to the extent that officials and state media labeled him as 'anti-revolutionary' and 'hypocritical'. Nevertheless, during the same period, the series 'Soghoot', featuring Hamid Farrokhnejad, was broadcast on home networks; a series in which he plays the role of a security officer of the Islamic Republic. Mehran Modiri is also one of the controversial figures in recent months, whose critical statements have faced severe backlash from hardliners, calling for judicial action against this artist. Most of the filming for the current series ready for broadcast was done before the recent protests, and producers practically have no option to remove actors or change the story. However, it is said that for new productions, producers have been asked not to approach so-called popular artists and to use compliant or low-profile actors to avoid issues in obtaining broadcast permits. During the nationwide protests, many artists who supported the people were arrested and imprisoned, pressured, and banned from leaving or working. Kaveh Farnam, a film producer and member of the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran, told Voice of America: 'Although the government continues to harass and threaten filmmakers, arresting them, interrogating them, and making it impossible for these artists to work, the support of artists for the people continues, and the Islamic Republic cannot stop this trend.' According to Mr. Farnam, 'The society is awake and continues to move forward; all evidence indicates that this society will not return to seven or eight months ago, and our dear filmmakers act first as humans and then as artists in fulfilling their duties alongside the people.'