Laleh Marzban's Star Power: A Glimpse into Iran's Tense Artistic Landscape Laleh Marzban, a rising star in Iranian cinema, has become embroiled in controversy following her acceptance speech at the Venice Film Festival.
The 32 year old actress won the best newcomer award for her role in Mohsen Gharaei's Falling House, which tackles suffocating patriarchal norms that govern women's lives in Iran.
Marzban's impassioned words about Iranian women fighting for even small measures of freedom sparked a backlash from state affiliated media and officials.