An Iranian anti-drugs commercial has been shot in a York recording studio by a local multi-media company.

Blind Productions, based in the Fishergate Centre, has been appointed the UK representative for Aftab, an Iranian organisation which has the aim of "alleviating, rehabilitating and preventing the use and consequent addiction to narcotics".

The 45-second commercial, shot in the Jam Factory in Eldon Terrace, will have a voice-over added in Iran's native tongue, Farsi, before being shown all over the Islamic nation.

Reza Ghadiri Zare, director of Blind Productions, which also develops websites and writes feature films, is hopeful this will be one of a series of film advertisements.

"This hopefully will be just a pilot for the organisation with more to follow," he said.

"But we are doing more than just filming. We have produced a leaflet promoting the work and, as the Iranian organisation's UK representative, will be registering Aftab with the United Nations as well as seeking funding on its behalf."

In the commercial a "drug addict" is shown struggling to kick the habit and trying to move towards the light, while being held back by pairs of hands - representing the grip of addiction.

Aftab, which means "sun" in Farsi is a charity formed in Iran in March last year to alleviate drug addiction in the country.

Ayatollah Khatami, the President of Iran, said: "The creation of Aftab is a significant development which will fill a significant gap."

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