Iranian Artists Fear Throwback to Days of Censorship ; from the Silver Screen to Print, Artistic Freedom in Iran Is at a 25- Year Peak. Yet a Shift of Power from Reformers to Conservatives Could Result in a Crackdown

Scott Peterson writer of The Christian Science Monitor, The Christian Science Monitor

Few subjects in Iran are as sensitive or sacred as the ruling clergy. So when "The Lizard" premiered here recently, it was bound to spark a reaction.

The movie follows a thief who steals clerical robes to escape prison, and then gets unexpectedly wrapped up in life as a holy man. While poking fun at the foibles and privileges of the turbaned class, the new comedy also delivers a deeper religious message that anyone can reach God.

But after a private screening in Tehran, director Kamal Tabrizi was cornered by a mullah. "You make people laugh, but you give them a green light to ridicule the clergy," Hojatoleslam Mustafa Elahi scolded Mr. Tabrizi.

"You're …

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Publication information: Article title: Iranian Artists Fear Throwback to Days of Censorship ; from the Silver Screen to Print, Artistic Freedom in Iran Is at a 25- Year Peak. Yet a Shift of Power from Reformers to Conservatives Could Result in a Crackdown. Contributors: Scott Peterson writer of The Christian Science Monitor - Author. Newspaper title: The Christian Science Monitor. Publication date: March 4, 2004. Page number: 7. © 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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