This year, the Oscar goes to Iran?
Here’s a little story that slipped past the headlines, which you can interpret as either artistic freedom or Hollywood leftist insanity, depending on your bias. Iran is portrayed as the evil empire and ostracized by many in the West, but apparently some think that is the wrong approach. Sidney Ganis, President of Academy of Motion Pictures recently visited Iran to review the current crop of Iranian films. Interestingly, Ganis, presents this rather unorthodox visit thus, “…the main purpose of the Academy was to make it clear that that we are not a Hollywood film organization. We are not an American film organization. We are worldwide film organization. That’s why it’s up to us to reach out to the rest of the world.” This development will confirm the existing prejudices of Americans. For those who think artistic engagement is the best way to bridge ideological divides will applaud the initiative. For those who fear an imminent attack from the massed hordes of Iranian fundamentalists, this will just serve as more proof that Hollywood is the home of anti-American left-wing crazies
Q- Did you have to get permit from the US government to visit Iran?
SG: No. we just called them up and said we were going. The first time we tried, was during the previous administration and they said: WHAT??? WHERE?? The second time, the current administration had just taken over and they were thrilled that we going on this trip and it was so gratifying to us. But they did not help us; in other worlds we did not need them. We are not part of the sanction, so we just wanted to let them know. They did put us in touch with the Swiss Embassy in Tehran and we had a contact all the way through.
Q: It seems like the purpose of this trip was for cultural exchange, although we can't help but to think there is more good things coming out as a result of this trip. One of them being, we are here at your presence having a dialogue.
SD: Sure enough! You are right! And we did not know this Parisa! We went for movie reasons, and as it turned out it became more than that. Who knows, maybe it will serve a very good purpose. Countrymen to country men, Americans to Iranians and push all this stuff and get to know each other a little bit.
