The missing Oscar nominee

Edition: US - Today's top story: How Iranian filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi defy the censors [Click here to view this message in your web-browser](. Edition: US 25 February 2017 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair]( Editor's note During Sunday’s Academy Awards, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi will be conspicuously absent. After President Trump issued his travel ban, the Best Foreign Language Film nominee decided to boycott the awards. Farhadi has good reason: In Trump’s hardline rhetoric, he sees similarities to the repressive theocracy back home. Penn State’s Kevin Hagopian takes readers into Iran’s film industry, in which filmmakers must toe a fine line between creating resonant art and evading government censors. The fact that their films receive worldwide acclaim is a testament to [the obstacles they’re able to overcome.]( Nick Lehr Editor, Arts and Culture Top story Director Asghar Farhadi wins the award for best screenplay at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. 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