Censorship (Domestic Reception/Industry)

Post-revolution the arts in Iran were subject to control and guidance by the newly formed Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.


Pre-revolution Iranian cinema in the 1970s was struggling to appeal to domestic audiences, in large part due to the invasion of Hollywood and Indian cinemas. For this reason, the post-revolution ban on much (all? details?) foreign imports was a boon to the growth of Iranian cinema under the Islamic Republic.

The 'Kanun' Institute (Industry)

The Centre for the intellectual development of Children and Young Adults founded in 1965 on the initiative of the Shah’s wife. Its objective was to set up a large children’s library in Tehran and to promote the production and publication of reading material suitable for children and adolescents.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_the_Intellectual_Development_of_Children_and_Young_Adults

Farabi Cinema Foundation (Industry)

Founded in 1983. Responsible for distribution of new Iranian films. It facilitates production loans, provided by banks, for new features made by the private sector.

Farabi consolidated the acquisition of production equipment and raw material that were difficult to access other than through the black market, particularly once the US sanctions against Iran fell into place in the early 1980s. Soon after its institution, Farabi took over the confiscated Misaghieh Studio (one of the prominent production studios that financed and produced a number of New Wave films of the 1970s), refurbished its site and equipment, and supplemented its post-production and storage facilities.

Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance (Culture/History & Industry)

Responsible for regulating the import and export of films in Iran. As of the early 1990s, it set limits on foreign, especially US, films, with for example, in 1991 and 1992 only one and two US films licensed for exhibition in Iran respectively. Iranian cinemas must pay higher tax to show foreign films, with these taxes subsidising the Farabi Cinema Foundation and production of new Iranian films.
The Ministry reserves the right to censor scripts or films, at various production stages, including after they are finished and screened at the Fajr International Festival, which is organised by the Ministry and falls under its supervision. The films there are classified (by the Ministry) into four categories, 'A' through to 'D', based on their perceived quality according to a mix of formal and social criteria. A and B films receive far more support and distribution.

The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance (MCIG) supervises Iran's film industry. Its censorship regulations include rules of he jab (women's veiling and modesty). Films undergo multiple stages of inspection, in addition to synopsis and screenplay stages. The precise rules are always changing, due to debates between government agencies and filmmakers, film critics and audiences - but not always to filmmakers' benefit. Mohammed Khatami, who was appointed Minister of the MCIG when it began in 1982, was known as a supporter of controversial filmmakers like Mohsen Makhmalbaf - one of the reasons why he was removed from his post in 1992.

Fajr International Festival (Industry)

Located in Tehran. Created in 1982, first festival in 1983. Fell under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
Was a key platform to showcase local Iranian productions.

Mohammed Khatami (Industry & Iranian Culture/History)

Generally reputed as being more liberal and reform-minded, and benevolent towards the arts. Was the Minister of Culture and Islamic Orientation between 1982 and 1992, and later President of the Islamic Republic in 1997, holding the post until 2005.
In 1983, one measure taken was to ban the distribution of video cassettes and close down video clubs across Iran.
Farabi Cinema Foundation was founded, which oversaw the cinema reforms and reported back to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance

References:
Albert Elena book, 'The School We Went To' chapter.