Subjective Judgment is Prohibited
Raed Faridzadeh, President of the Cinema Organization
Report from the Cinemadrame News Agency
Raed Faridzadeh, head of the Cinema Organization, stated in the first session of the new Film Screening License Council: “A common criticism of this council is that its criteria for evaluating films are not transparent and precise, and it is even claimed that the council’s opinions are based on a set of individual and personal assessments.” He emphasized: “What matters to us is adherence to three fundamental principles: ‘Sharia (Islamic law), Law, and Ethics.’ The respected members of the Film Review Council will evaluate films based on these principles, and nothing more. Because beyond these three principles, the issue of people’s rights arises, as well as the significant costs incurred for the works.”
This emphasis by the head of the Cinema Organization is significant because experience, particularly during the Rouhani administration, has shown that in reformist governments, the highest number of film bans and subjective censorship takes place. This often leads to the destruction of the filmmakers’ investments and efforts, creating dissatisfaction and a deeper divide between artists and the government.
Two members of the new council were also members of the council during the Rouhani administration and played a role in the banning of films.
