American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams has brought a smile to the faces of millions of people around the world with his song Happy – including in Iran, until the authorities there reportedly arrested young people who filmed themselves dancing to the tune.

National TV channel IRIB broadcast a report May 20 in which a member of the security forces condemned the film and spoke of the arrests of its stars.

Happy is not only the backing for this polished video but is proving to be incredibly popular as a dance theme for youngsters around Iran as other YouTube videos portray.

However, so far the only arrests known to the West appear to be those reported by IRIB.

Many had noted the risks taken in the original video—women without veils (though wearing wigs), men and women dancing together. And while the Rouhani administration has tried to strike a conciliatory tone on the culture front, full openness has not been forthcoming. A very active band of conservative agitators has been busy pushing against any sign of change.

The Iranian government and media have launched a strong attack on Iranian actress Leila Hatami after she received a kiss on the cheek from Cannes Film Festival President Gilles Jacob.

Jacob said it was “a usual custom in the West” after Iranian media claimed it was an affront to the “chastity” of women in Iran…

But Iranian deputy minister of culture, Hoseyn Nushabadi, said that Hatami’s appearance in Cannes was “in violation of religious beliefs”.

[Photo: video screenshot]