Their works have provided the context for the success of Iranian Cinema in the '90s. Consequently, they came under growing censorship. Many of their movies were banned for a long period, and released, if at all, only after modification. Censorship forced the filmmakers to employ a symbolic mode of communication to convey their social and political messages. Although the rules and purpose of censorship have changed, it still plays a role in the production of cinema.
Movies sponsored by the government have no problems.
However, like in the pre-Revolutionary period, independent filmmakers came up with creative ways to convey their messages and to portray a more realistic female image. This, and the use of new themes regarding gender issues, children, nature and cultural problems, has fueled a revival of Iranian cinema. The challenge to meet codes and create a high-quality film that also speaks to the people's situation has motivated a number of very talented artists. As has been the case in literary activities in the post-revolutionary period, cinema witnessed the emergence of a new generation of female directors in unprecedented numbers. In the past 10 years, despite all of the restrictions, Iranian cinema has been illustrious in international arenas.