TEHRAN -- The Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has refused to grant a screening license for “Nothing”, a social drama on a deprived family.

Meanwhile, director Abdorreza Kahani hoped his film would be in the Iranian lineup for the Cannes Film Market. The 63rd Cannes Film Festival will run from May 12 to 23.
“The Supervision and Evaluation Office (SEO) has told me that ‘Nothing’ is not permissible to be screened at an international event or market,” Kahani told the Persian service of ISNA on Monday.
“I’m not disappointed and I think every film finds its own audience. In fact, the reign of imposing restrictions on films is over,” he noted.
He has pursued the issue, complaining to top officials at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
“They only said foreigners must not see this film,” he stated.
“Nothing” is about a man who is suffering from gluttony. Unable to satiate his appetite, he eventually becomes responsible for earning a living to support a large family.
The film had received a screening license in January from the SEO, which is affiliated with the Culture Ministry, after Kahani was obliged to cut some scenes from the film.
However, the uncut version of the film premiered at the 28th edition of the Fajr International Film Festival, which took place from January 25 to February 4.
“Nothing” was selected for the Iranian lineup for the Noruz holidays beginning March 21.
Kahani’s previous film, “Twenty”, won the jury special award at the 44th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic in July 2009.
In addition, his “Over There” grabbed the Golden Alexander for the best film at the 49th International Thessaloniki Film Festival in Greece in November 2008.
“Due to a certain sensitivity, a small council under the Deputy Culture Minister for Cinematic Affairs Mr. (Javad) Shamaqdari decides about the foreign premiere of a film,” SEO director Alireza Sajjadpur told the Persian service of the Mehr News Agency.
Iranian films selected for foreign premieres should not blemish the national image, Shamaqdari said during a press conference on Tuesday.
“Our filmmakers are allowed to dialogue with our people through their films, but it would be against our national interests if they wanted to communicate with foreigners on sensitive topics and we must change this condition,” he added.
“Our people are able to hold a confidence but foreigners cannot always be depended upon to do so,” he noted.
A screenplay must be approved by the Culture Ministry to obtain a production license in Iran. In addition, the film’s producer must apply for a screening license from the ministry for a domestic or foreign premiere.
No film can be produced or premiere in Iran if the Culture Ministry refuses to grant the necessary licenses.