A consultative meeting between the Iranian Anti-Tobacco Association and the CEO of the House of Cinema was held on Sunday, 13 December 2025, at the House of Cinema. The session focused on examining the role of cinema and artists in reducing the normalization of tobacco use and strengthening the social responsibility of cultural and artistic professionals.
According to the Public Relations Office of the Association, Homayoun Asadian, CEO of the House of Cinema, expressed appreciation for the Association’s effective efforts in tobacco control and prevention. Drawing on his experiences visiting countries such as the United States, he noted that anti-tobacco policies are pursued seriously in many nations, playing a significant role in reducing consumption across different age groups. However, he lamented that a unified and comprehensive commitment to tackling this issue has yet to emerge in Iran.
Concerns Over Tobacco Scenes in Films and Series
Asadian criticized the increasing depiction of tobacco use in films and series, particularly on home video networks. While some productions associate smoking with negative characters, he emphasized that tobacco use is increasingly portrayed among positive characters as well. He stressed that actors, due to their social influence and widespread popularity, directly affect the attitudes, choices, and behaviors of younger audiences, underscoring the need for serious review and intervention.
Cinema’s Engagement in Health-Oriented Activities
Referring to the “Water Guardians” campaign, the CEO highlighted the House of Cinema’s commitment to social responsibility in environmental protection, public health, and tobacco control. He affirmed the organization’s readiness to collaborate fully with the Iranian Anti-Tobacco Association in tobacco prevention and control initiatives, similar to its involvement in environmental campaigns.
The Role of Artists in Promoting Health
Dr. Mohammadreza Masjedi, Secretary-General of the Association, stressed the critical role of artists in conveying health messages to society. He reminded participants that under the Comprehensive National Tobacco Control Law, depicting tobacco use in films and series is prohibited. Artists, as social role models, bear special responsibility for safeguarding individual, familial, and public health.
Dr. Nader Asgari, Technical Advisor of the Association, added that cinema acts as a mirror of society. He emphasized that if society aims to promote well-being, cinematic productions should convey this message to audiences. Since well-being stems from physical health, collaborative think-tanks between filmmakers and health professionals can deliver health messages indirectly, effectively, and enduringly.
Global Strategies to Reduce Tobacco Depictions in Media
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Sharif Torkamanzhad, Scientific Advisor of the Association, highlighted World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to prevent tobacco promotion in visual media. Effective strategies include:
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Strict enforcement of film age ratings,
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Complete prohibition of tobacco brand visibility,
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Broadcasting health warnings and anti-tobacco messages before films and series,
These globally recognized measures, he noted, could also be implemented in Iran to curb tobacco normalization through cinema and media.
