Iranian film director has learnt his lesson

>>>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.

- ADAM PLOWRIGHT

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. “It affected my whole life, my family, and those around me,” the 35-year-old told AFP.

Three years later, he is back again with Woman and Child, again chosen for the main competition, but this time with official approval. The script was approved by Iranian censors, and the actors follow Iranian law, with women wearing the government-mandated hijab at all times on screen — even during scenes at home, where headscarves are typically taken off.

“I'd love to make films without the hijab. I truly want to do that because I know my films would be more real and natural,” Roustayi told AFP.

He added: “I didn’t want a permit, but they force you to get one. If you want to film in big locations like hospitals or schools or use professional cinema equipment, they require a permit.”

The women actors in Roustayi’s movie did not wear hijabs when the film’s team walked the red carpet for the Cannes premiere, though the lead actor, Parinaz Izadyar, wore a discreet headpiece.