Censorship of Family Violence in Cinema in Iran

Abstract

Prevention and control of family violence require an accurate understanding of its causes and effects. Iranian filmmakers try to fulfil their mission to raise awareness about family violence by showing hidden and unpleasant social issues in the family and presenting an accurate picture of family violence. However, to do so is taboo and goes against the Islamization policy of the Iranian regime against portraying family violence. Breaking the taboo leads to the seizure and censorship of films that show negative perspectives of family relationships. This article analyzes the Iranian regime’s approach to film productions based on Islamization policies and investigates the films that have been censored and seized. An interpretive analysis takes a critical look at Iran’s politicized cinema with a focus on paternalism. The article looks at the banned films Friday Evening, The Paternal House, and Girl’s House. The filmmakers’ goal is to remove the barriers to raising awareness in the area of victimization of girls. The depoliticization of Iranian cinema will support the process of breaking cultural taboos and thus support women’s protection from family violence.