Ban on foreign films in Iran

In an effort to wipe out "corrupt Western culture," Iran is banning foreign films. This is a move to reverse the easing of cultural restrictions which was initiated by the previous president, Mohammad Khatami. People do still have satellite antennas, though, The Guardian reports:

"Under President Khatami, Iran's 70 million citizens, more than half of whom are under 30, enjoyed growing social and political freedoms and were exposed to western popular culture through satellite television. The dishes are officially banned but tolerated by authorities. Many residents in Tehran hide them under tarpaulins or disguise them as air-conditioning units."

There seems to be big disjunction between what the government wants and what the society tolerates. Bringing back strict censorship is meant to control this disjunction, but will probably make it stronger.