Analysis of Islamic Republic's Cinema Policies from the Perspective of the Revolution's Founders and Legal Frameworks

This study examines the jurisprudential foundations of the Islamic Republic's cinema policies. Following the Islamic Revolution, considering the perspectives of revolutionary leaders and theorists regarding cinema, it became evident that cinematic form needed transformation. Policymakers in the Islamic Republic have consistently emphasized cinema's potential to serve the Republic's objectives, necessitating appropriate policy measures. The key question addressed is: To what extent do post-revolutionary Iranian cinema policies align with jurisprudential principles? The research first reviews the Islamic Republic's cinema policies, then conducts a jurisprudential evaluation across four dimensions: the legitimacy of laws, production policies, distribution policies, and punitive measures. Findings suggest these policies are based more on an individualistic rather than societal interpretation of jurisprudence (fiqh), lacking a governance-oriented fiqh approach. Furthermore, regarding production, distribution, and broadcasting regulations, a permissive attitude appears dominant, neglecting fiqh's emphasis on qualification (ahlīyat) as prerequisite for social responsibilities in cinema policymaking.