These films highlight the power of Iranian cinema, demonstrating its capacity to bridge cultural divides and connect with audiences around the world.
1. About Elly (2009)
Asghar Farhadi directed the 2009 release of the Iranian drama film “About Elly” (original title: “Darbareye Elly”). The movie looks at subjects like lying, social expectations, and the effects of keeping secrets.
A group of friends from the middle class go on a beach vacation close to Tehran in the center of the narrative. In an attempt to introduce her to a friend who recently got divorced, Ahmad, one of the group members, Sepideh, extends an invitation to Elly, her daughter’s teacher, to come along.
But then something unexpected happens, upsetting the dynamics of the group and prompting a search for Elly after she disappears.
Please note that “About Elly” is in Persian with English subtitles and is available on various streaming platforms or through DVD releases with subtitles in different languages, depending on your region.
2. Baran (2001)
Majid Majidi directed the 2001 Iranian film, Baran. The movie centers on Hossein Abedini’s character, Lateef, an Afghan refugee who works on a construction site in Tehran, Iran.
After growing fond of Baran (Zahra Bahrami), a coworker, Lateef learns that Baran is actually a young lady who is passing for a boy to support her family, not the young man he first thought.
As the story progresses, Lateef grows more and more enamored with Baran and tries to keep her identity a secret.
The movie looks at love, giving, and the difficulties Afghan refugees in Iran confront. It illustrates the struggles and discrimination encountered by refugees as well as the unexpected outpouring of sympathy.
3. Children of Heaven (1997)
Majid Majidi is the director of the 1997 Iranian family drama film “Children of Heaven.” The film narrates a touching tale about Ali and Zahra, a little brother and sister who reside in Tehran.
The movie centers on Ali (Amir Farrokh Hashemian), who unintentionally misplaces his sister Zahra’s (Bahare Seddiqi) recently fixed shoes.
The siblings come up with a scheme to split Ali’s sneakers among themselves without their parents knowing because they are having money difficulties. Zahra hastily puts on the shoes for her afternoon courses after Ali wears them to school in the morning.
Ali and Zahra face several obstacles while juggling their daily schedules and their academic lives, all the while attempting to keep their secret a secret.
The film beautifully captures the struggles and dreams of the young protagonists, painting a vivid picture of their everyday lives in a socially and economically complex environment.
4. Closed Curtain (2013)
Iranian drama “Closed Curtain” was directed by Jafar Panahi and Kambozia Partovi in 2013. The co-director, Jafar Panahi, has personal experience with censorship, loneliness, and creativity—all issues that are explored in the movie.
Reza, portrayed by Kambozia Partovi, is the protagonist of the tale. He and his dog seek safety in a remote beach cottage. Reza closes the curtains and distances himself from society in an attempt to withdraw from the outer world.
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5. Close-Up (1990)
Iranian docudrama “Close-Up,” directed by Abbas Kiarostami, was released in 1990. The video reconstructs a true occurrence that happened in Tehran in the 1980s, blurring the boundaries between fact and fantasy.
In the film “Close-Up,” Hossain Sabzian plays a man who poses as well-known Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf and makes a fictitious friendship with a family.
In addition to actual courtroom video and interviews with all parties involved in the case—including Sabzian and the family he deceived—the film documents Sabzian’s trial.
6. The Color of Paradise (1999)
Majid Majidi is the Iranian director of the 1999 film “The Color of Paradise.” “Rang-e Khoda” was the film’s initial title. It is a highly esteemed and globally acknowledged piece of Iranian film.
The protagonist of the tale is a young, blind child named Mohammad (played by Mohsen Ramezani). Muhammad has a strong spiritual sense and a close relationship with nature despite being blind.
Although he is close to his devoted grandma, his father views Muhammad as a burden since he feels ashamed of his son’s condition.
“The Color of Paradise” delves with topics related to love, family, and acceptance. It explores the divergent viewpoints of Muhammad’s father, who desires to enroll him in a special school.
7. The Cow (1969)
Dariush Mehrjui directed the 1969 Iranian film “The Cow” (originally titled “Gaav”). It is frequently mentioned as a classic of Iranian New Wave film and is regarded as a foundational work in Iranian cinema.
Ezzatolah Entezami portrays Masht Hassan, a destitute villager in “The Cow.” Masht Hassan’s lone friend is his cherished cow, which gives him both company and food.
However, Masht Hassan’s life falls apart as the cow passes away without warning. The villagers begin to treat Masht Hassan like a cow, giving him grass and treating him like a domestic animal, thinking he has gone insane.
“The Cow” serves as a commentary on social and psychological issues prevalent in rural Iranian society at the time.