But Panahi’s evolution into a symbol of opposition has led to his recent troubles with the authorities. Iranian artists have played a crucial role in mobilizing the Green Movement, and the regime is targeting cultural icons to intimidate their less prominent peers into self-censorship. The Ministry of Culture and Guidance has moved against the national film industry with particular vigor, announcing in December that President Ahmadinejad would personally lead a new government body to supervise Iranian cinema. It should not come as a surprise that the most prominent Iranian films to reach international audiences in the past year have been made by filmmakers who have fled the country.No, the Green Movement isn't about recycling - at least not in Iran. It's politics - and this article reminds me how lucky we are to have our freedoms of speech. You may or may not agree with Michael Moore and Oliver Stone, but aren't you glad they don't face solitary confinement for making movies?
Read the full article here.
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