The Revolution had been ongoing since 1978 through strikes and demonstrations. The Persian monarchy collapsed on 11 February 1979 when guerrillas and rebel troops overwhelmed troops loyal to the Shah in armed street fighting. Iran voted by national referendum to become an Islamic Republic on 1 April 1979, and to approve a new theocratic constitution whereby Khomeini became Supreme Leader of the country, in December 1979.
Mehrjui stated that he, “enthusiastically took part in the revolution, shooting miles of reels of its daily events.” After the revolution, the censorship of the Pahlavi regime was lifted, and for a time, artistic freedom seemed to flourish in the country. It was reported that the Khomeini saw Gaav on Persian television and liked it, calling it “very instructive” and commissioning new prints to be made for distribution. However the Khomeini government would go on to impose its own rules for censorship in Homeland, specifically laws that were in accordance to Islamic law. It was also required that a government official be present during the shooting of all films.
