VP urges expatriate artists to return, pledges revival of cinema
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref on Tuesday urged expatriate artists to return home and told the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to ease their way back, as the government seeks to revive the country’s struggling film industry.
Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme Council of Iranian Cinema, Aref said filmmakers should act as “narrators” of national power, IRNA reported.
He voiced concern over reports of Iranian performers living in hardship abroad, including one in Los Angeles who had been forced into minor roles to make ends meet.
“Some reports about the living conditions of Iranians abroad are concerning,” he said. “Disputes should remain with brothers at home, not in a foreign land.”
Aref instructed the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance to prioritize policies that encourage expatriate artists to return. He said the initiative is part of a broader government strategy to bring Iranians back from overseas.
During the session, two memorandums of understanding were signed – one on housing for cinema professionals and another on expanding their insurance coverage.
Aref said Iranian cinema has been on a “downward trajectory” despite the country’s cultural heritage. He urged the culture minister to quickly draft a plan to raise cinema’s standing and warned that filmmakers must address social issues without resorting to pessimism.
He contrasted the unity shown during a recent 12-day war with the 50 percent turnout in last year’s presidential election, saying cinema could help strengthen national cohesion. The council agreed to fund documentaries, short films and animations about the conflict.
The vice president also called for deeper cultural cooperation with regional neighbors and international artists drawn to Iran’s civilization.
He outlined a 10-year development plan that includes new movie theaters in cities with more than 100,000 residents and simplified tax procedures for filmmakers.