She has worked with many famous Iranian directors.

Farbod Khoshtinat (born August 8, 1988), better known by his pseudonym Fred, is an Iranian director, editor, and cinematographer.

Iranian cinema has thrived in modern Iran, and many Iranian directors have garnered worldwide recognition for their work.

In mid-March, 50 Iranian directors, actors and artists signed a petition seeking Panahi's release.

Iranian directors must face two Islamic censorship boards - one for scripts, one for the final film.

Samira Makhmalbaf, a 22-year-old Iranian director, imagined news of the attack on the twin towers reaching an Afghan refugee camp inside Iran.

The latest film by this Iranian director, widely considered one of the greatest living filmmakers, is oblique, evocative and visually stunning.

He has written several scripts for other Iranian directors, and has produced and directed some short films.

No one expects an Iranian director to produce a film criticizing the revered Ayatollah Khomeini or any of the senior clerics who continue to rule.

Mr. Atebbai said restrictions had led Iranian directors to be, as he put it, "creative."