Hollywood producer of erotic films joins Iran's Islamic TV
Essy (or Asadollah, in Persian) Niknejad is known in Hollywood for producing "Red Shoe Diaries" and other erotic productions directed by Zelman King, such as "Shame, Shame, Shame" and "Women of the Night." But his recent return to Iran and cooperation (and interview) with Iran's state-run Islamic TV has angered conservative Iranian publications and stunned others.
According to Niknejad's profile on IMDB, he was born 1960 in Tehran and developed an interest in movies from an early age, inspired by Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. Niknejad left Iran for America in 1986, a year after his controversial mini-series for Iranian TV (The Fall of Sahara or "Payiz Sahra" in Persian) was almost banned from public broadcast. He graduated (1990) with a Masters degree in Film & Television from the California institute of Arts. Although he has directed a few segments of TV series (such as "Eye on LA" for ABC or "Sighting" for Fox), Niknejad is best known for "producing" popular erotic movies and series like "Red Shoe Diaries" (trailers shown below - full clips would have nudity and strong sexual content).
Niknejad's sudden return to Iran, and collaboration with Iran's state-run Islamic TV - known for ultraconservative religious programs and strict censorship by government - has baffled observers and outraged conservative Iranian publications. One such publication, "Khabar online" calls Niknejad's works sleazy and vulgar and writes in an Editorial: "Niknejad's interview Thursday night on Channel 4, was unprecedented, unexpected and unbelievable ... The host has neglected to research Niknejad's background or mention his Hollywood productions during the interview ... He has not produced a single prominent work in Hollywood except well known sleazy vulgar erotic films ... The main question remains on who is the Islamic Republic Official financing Niknejad's future work in Iran."
Niknejad's future plans in Iran may be controversial or uncertain, but if he succeeds in making his "favorite genre" in Persian, it will sure attract a lot of "attention" among Iranians inside and outside Iran!
Entertainment Blog by R. Bazargan
--- Post-Note (September 27,2011): An Attorney who claims representing Mr. Niknejad has disputed the news published in Iran, and has been offered an opportunity by Kodoom.com to publish a fact-based rebuttal.
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