Iranian Government Unveils Acting Ban on Unveiled Actresses

Iran's Cinema Organization, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, has announced that actresses who have appeared in public without covering their hair are not permitted to act in films.

In an interview with the state news agency IRNA, the Deputy Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Cinema Organization stated that actors who have "appeared without hijab" cannot participate in the film industry due to the restrictions imposed on them.

"Their previous works will be gradually released to avoid harming the film owners, as substantial capital has been invested," said Habib Ilbeigi on October 23. "However, they are not allowed to take part in new film projects from this point forward."

In a recent letter, he warned film producers, stating that if they collaborate with actresses who have "appeared [in public] without hijab," they will encounter difficulties in obtaining screening permits.

"In the event of any cooperation with these actors, should they face challenges in obtaining a screening permit, they will be held personally responsible and accountable for their actions and their consequences," he warned. 

Ilbeigi also confirmed in an interview with IRNA that certain actors and filmmakers had been banned from working during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests due to their political statements.

While Ilbeigi did not specify the number of banned actresses and cinematographers, he mentioned that the Ministry is making "efforts to resolve their issues and enable them to resume work."

The Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on many individuals who violate the country's strict dress code, following months of unrest in 2022 sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody. 

Amini had been detained for allegedly wearing a head covering improperly.

The Islamic Republic mandates that all women in Iran cover their hair with a headscarf and wear loose-fitting trousers under their coats while in public. 

However, in the wake of Amini's death, a growing number of women, including prominent celebrities such as Taraneh Alidoosti, Ketayoun Riahi, Panthea Bahram, and Baran Kowsari, have defiantly appeared in public without hijab.

Some of these women have later been arrested, summoned by the authorities, and faced legal proceedings.

Furthermore, hundreds of small businesses and shopping malls have been shut down under the accusation of failing to enforce hijab rules on their customers.