May 22, 2025 Meet the Middle East

Hijabs onscreen, critics offscreen for Iran film in Cannes

A state-approved Iranian movie featuring women constantly in headscarves premiered at the Cannes film festival on Thursday, with director Saeed Roustayi defending his decision to bend to the diktats of national censors.The Cannes Festival has long offered a platform for independent Iranian filmmakers whose work is lauded on the French Riviera but usually banned at home. Roustayi has previously defied his country's authorities. His last film in Cannes -- "Leila's Brothers" in 2022 -- landed him a six-month suspended jail term and film ban.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Hijabs onscreen, critics offscreen for Iran film in Cannes