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Iran objects to screening of Hollywood blockbuster

DUBAI — Teheran has objected to the screening of the Hollywood blockbuster ‘300’ in UAE cinemas, alleging it portrays Persian history and culture in an incorrect and offensive manner, a top Iranian Embassy source in Abu Dhabi said yesterday.

Dr Majedi Saleh, Director of the Iranian Ambassador’s office in Abu Dhabi, told Khaleej Times that the diplomatic mission has already sent a note to the UAE Foreign Ministry in this connection — citing Iran’s objection to the screening of “300” in UAE cinemas.

However, he declined to revealing any other details in this regard. The controversial film was released in UAE cinema houses on March 22.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Press agency Irna has also reported that Hamid-Reza Asefi, Iran’s ambassador to the UAE has forwarded a letter to UAE’s foreign ministry in this connection.

Meanwhile, local cinema sources here said the movie directed by Zack Snyder and released on March 22 is proving to be quite a crowd puller - with 129,000 tickets sold out within the first 10 days.

Earlier, it may be recalled, Iran’s UN mission had also expressed outrage, asserting it was a “deliberate” distortions” of ancient Persian history and culture and a propaganda for the west to try and “demonise the Iranian nation.”

The movie is reportedly based on a comic-book fantasy version of the historic Battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., in which a force of 300 Spartans held off a massive Persian army at a mountain pass in Greece for three days.