Iranian film cummunity stands by House of Cinema chief

Head of Iran’s House of Cinema, Mohammad Mehdi Asgaripour

Iranian film community announced their support for the head of Iran’s House of Cinema, Mohammad Mehdi Asgaripour, who has been under fierce attack from Ministry of Culture.

ILNA reports that over 160 members of Iran’s film industry issued a letter in support of Asgaripour saying: "To protect Iran’s quality-oriented film industry and community, we stand by our elected executive director (head of House of Cinema).”

In the past days, following the 14th film festival of House of Cinema, authorities at the Ministry of Culture have lashed back repeatedly at green symbols worn by participants in the event and statements made during the ceremony by Asghar Farhadi in support of banned filmmakers.

The ministry accused the event of promoting the opposition, insulting the leadership and martyrs and of calling for the fall of the regime.

Head of the House of Cinema while questioning the competence of his critics, claimed all these contentions to be “pure lies” and has demanded a fact-finding committee to examine the issue.