Why so many Iranian movies center on children

I think it's worth pointing out the reason why so many Iranian films feature children as central characters. There are fewer restrictions on what directors are permitted to do with them!

According to Islamic film codes, a woman can't be depicted accurately in "intimate" situations, which by their definition means scenes shot in their own homes. So that means that a female character's hair must be covered even when she's at home (which looks ridiculous), or in BED (even MORE ridiculous), and she has to wear loose fitting clothes (often not the case at home). Incredibly, the actors playing husband and wife can't be shown having any physical contact with each other unless they are married IN REAL LIFE!

Even when the movie's story is set before the 1979 revolution, a female character's hair must be covered.

So is it any wonder that the director chose to make this movie.... featuring a child who spends nearly all of her time outdoors?! The restrictions Panahi had to work under make me respect his achievement all the more.