Marzieh Boroumand Resigns from House of Cinema Following Controversial Remarks on 'War with Israel'; 'My Presence No Longer Bears Fruit'

The board of the House of Cinema accepted the resignation of Marzieh Boroumand, the CEO of this cinematic institution. In the text of the acceptance of Ms. Boroumand's resignation by the board, it is stated that the 'complex conditions prevailing in Iranian cinema', 'managerial contradictions', 'economic problems', and 'the imposed emotional atmospheres on the body of Iranian cinema' have made it difficult to manage this institution. Ms. Boroumand had stated at the funeral of Dariush Mehrjui and Vahideh Mohammadi-Far: 'Be good to us, we are fighting alongside you against Israel.' Her remarks were met with widespread criticism from social media users and artists after being booed by attendees at the ceremony. Director Homayoun Ghanizadeh reacted to Ms. Boroumand's comments in a post on his Instagram account, writing: 'We must admit that a large part of us [artists and cultural figures] used to loudly lie! About hijab! About censorship! About the goodness of certain officials! About the government’s distorted view on small and large issues! Now, we have been gradually practicing to return from this method!' After the extensive criticism, Ms. Boroumand posted an explanation on her Instagram page, stating she did not have 'sufficient focus to speak' and had 'mistakenly' used the word war. In her resignation letter from the management of the House of Cinema, she wrote that during her tenure, she tried to warn cultural officials that 'the path they have taken only deepens the divides and destroys cinema.' Ms. Boroumand stated she attempted to remind them to stop 'stubbornness and enmity and harsh and insulting behavior towards artists, especially female actors,' but either there was 'no listening ear' or 'the main decision-makers were other individuals.' She added that she feels her presence 'not only bears no fruit but may also harm this valuable guild institution.' Marzieh Boroumand, who became the CEO of the House of Cinema in Esfand 1401 after the publication of a statement by several female artists regarding 'violence and sexual harassment' in the workplace, said at her introduction ceremony: 'I no longer have a real personality; I used to be more aggressive, but now I have a legal position that I operate based more on interaction, dialogue, and collaboration.' Shortly after the start of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests in Iran, she reacted to her photo being placed on a mural in Vali Asr Square titled 'Iranian Women of Distinction,' stating: 'Remove my photo from the wall under which you suppressed children and youth.' She also emphasized that she has always been alongside the people and will continue to be. Marzieh Boroumand, an actress, director, and puppeteer known for memorable works such as 'City of Mice,' 'Grandma's House,' and 'Tales of Tabatabai,' has been criticized by many users after her remarks at the funeral of Dariush Mehrjui and Vahideh Mohammadi-Far, with some stating: 'You destroyed our childhood memories.' Anti-government slogans were heard at Mehrjui's funeral; Mona Mehrjui attended without mandatory hijab; Roya Nonahali appeared without mandatory hijab at the House of Artists; Anahita Nahidi published a photo without hijab on 'Chastity and Hijab' day; the CEO of the House of Cinema spoke about the efforts of this institution for 'independence' from the government.