It came as the group - which also included Sid Ganis, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, William Horberg, producer of The Kite Runner, and Alfre Woodard, who acted in Desperate Housewives - began a charm offensive billed as a "creative exchange" but clearly aimed at bridging a gulf of mutual misunderstanding. The delegation was invited to Iran by Khane Cinema (Cinema House), the country's biggest film group, which is under the authority of the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance. It is scheduled to hold training workshops on acting, directing, documentary-making and other aspects of the business as well as tour the facilities of the state broadcaster, IRIB. Meetings have been promised with Majid Majidi and Ebrahim Hatamikia, two local directors in good standing with the theocratic government.
The author of "The Kite Runner" lives in Iran.