The Portrayal of Islamic Identity in Iranian Cinema

Since the ۱۹۷۹ Islamic Revolution, Iranian cinema has played a critical role in shaping and reflecting the socio-political landscape of Iran, particularly in the portrayal of Islamic identity. The revolution marked a pivotal shift, transforming cinema from a tool of Westernization to a means of reinforcing the Islamic Republic’s ideological framework. While the state’s strict censorship policies aimed to align film content with Islamic values, filmmakers have continually found creative ways to navigate these restrictions, producing films that both reflect Islamic principles and subtly critique the regime. This article explores the portrayal of Islamic identity in Iranian cinema, examining how filmmakers have depicted the intersection of religion, politics, and personal freedoms. The analysis highlights the evolving representation of gender, especially women, under the Islamic Republic and how filmmakers like Abbas Kiarostami, Jafar Panahi, and Rakhshan Bani-Etemad have used allegory, symbolism, and minimalist narratives to engage with sensitive topics such as political repression, gender equality, and personal autonomy. Iranian cinema’s complex relationship with the state’s interpretation of Islam reveals a dual function: it both reinforces the Islamic identity promoted by the state and acts as a site for resistance, offering nuanced portrayals of the daily lives and struggles of Iranian citizens.Through an exploration of key films and cinematic movements, this article demonstrates how Iranian cinema has both mirrored and influenced the evolving notions of Islamic identity in Iran, while navigating the complex terrain of censorship, state control, and artistic expression.

کلیدواژه ها:

Iranian Cinema ، Islamic Identity ، Censorship ، Gender Representation ، Political Resistance.