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How conservatives are elbowing out Reformists in Iranian cinema

Even though most prominent Iranian producers and directors have Reformist leanings, it is conservatives who are the most proactive in this arena.
A general view shows the Azadi Cinema in Tehran on May 19, 2016.
As Iranian films and actors compete this weekend at Cannes film festival attention is turning toward the country's thriving independent cinema sector which is succeeding despite tough regulations.  / AFP / ATTA KENARE / TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY ALI NOORANI        (Photo credit should read ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images)

Iranians have long been fond of cinema, and the country’s politicians are no exception. But in recent decades, politicians have been increasingly influencing the film industry to achieve political objectives.

Iranian cinema and politics have always had a relationship with each other, but the role of cinema in politics surged in the late 1990s. Indeed, Iranian presidential candidates took the film industry more seriously by asking skilled directors and producers to make documentaries about them to be broadcast on state TV as part of their campaigns.

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