ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Iranian Cinema as Godfather of Music

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-23

Approximately two years after the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran, once emotions had gradually subsided, the new regime launched a second revolution focused on cultural and educational plans. A political cell was formed to take charge of the cultural revolution, which aimed to reshape Iranian society according to Islamic principles. This cultural revolution had a profound impact on Iranian cinema and music, with cinema being used as a tool to promote and regulate music. The regime sought to control artistic expression, leading to a complex relationship where cinema became a patron of music, allowing certain musical forms to survive under strict supervision. The article explores how Iranian cinema served as a godfather to music, navigating the constraints imposed by the cultural revolution.

Key facts

  • The Islamic Republic was established in Iran in 1979.
  • The cultural revolution began approximately two years after the Islamic Republic's establishment.
  • A political cell was formed to manage the cultural revolution.
  • The cultural revolution focused on reshaping cultural and educational sectors.
  • Iranian cinema played a role in promoting and regulating music.
  • Cinema acted as a patron for music under the new regime.
  • The regime imposed strict controls on artistic expression.
  • Music survived under the supervision of cinema during this period.

Entities

Institutions

  • Islamic Republic of Iran

Locations

  • Iran

Sources