TEHRAN, Nov. 1 (Mehr News Agency) -- Deputy Culture Minister for Cinematic Affairs Javad Shamaqdari is pursuing the recent statement released by cineastes warning against the marginalization of Iran's independent cinema.

Read the statement by the Iranian cinematic figures (in Persian)

Shamaqdari asked Culture Ministry's Supervision and Evaluation Office Director Alireza Sajjadpur to follow the case and arrange a meeting with representatives of the cineastes.

A group of 46 cinematic figures had announced their concern in a third statement recently released by the Filmmaking Society of Iranian cinema last week.

"A group of our esteemed cineastes have expressed their concerns over not having the opportunity to screen independent movies and have asked for enforcing a law that would support them. Therefore, it is appropriate to hold a meeting with their representatives in order to find a solution to this issue and listen to their recommendations. It is obvious that Iranian cinema fans and the department will be awaiting the results," reads Shamaqdari's letter to Sajjadpur.

Over the past few weeks, several movies have not been screened or have had limits imposed on their screening sessions despite possessing a screening license from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

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