Golshifteh Farahani, a 29-year-old actress who became the first Iranian woman to star in a major Hollywood movie, has been banned from returning to her home country because she appeared topless in a short film.
Farahani appeared partially naked in Jean-Baptiste Mondino’s “Corps et Ames (Bodies and Souls)” as well as in the French magazine Madame Le Figaro. This week, the Iranian government informed her that she would not be allowed to return home.
In the short film, which was produced by the Cesar Academy (sort of like the Academy Awards), Farahani appears among several actors who were chosen to receive awards. The film cuts between the various as each speaks a line while undressing.
Farahani began acting at just six years old and rose to fame in Iranian cinema by the time she was fourteen. The Iranian actress has also worked with Asghar Farhadi, director of “A Separation”, which received a Golden Globe this year for best foreign film.
An article posted by Young Journalists Club accused Farahani of crossing the line, even over what “little morality” that exists in Western countries.
The photo and video have set off a media firestorm in Iran. Some bloggers there have called shameless, while others have praised her decision. “Those whose pride is hurt should stop being so zealous and enjoy the artistic beauty of this courageous girl,” Amir Fakhravar tweeted.
Farahani’s picture led to thousands of comments in the first few hours after it was published on her Facebook page.
Among other comments on Facebook:
“She is really brave, and I am proud of her. She shows what she believes in and it has nothing to do with others.”
“Along with me and all my friends, we are really proud of you.”
“I’m ashamed to call you an Iranian.”
“Good for you Golshifteh dear! For once an Iranian with guts has come out to show we are just like anyone else in this world. You can model and do whatever you like, just like every woman from Los Angeles to Tokyo.”
You can check out the video clip below (caution: brief nudity)…
Related articles
- ‘Topless’ Photo Gets Iranian Actress Banned From Iran (perezhilton.com)
- Iran Bans Actress Over Topless B&W Scene (evaoadam.wordpress.com)
- Not welcome home (news.ninemsn.com.au)
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