Iranian Cinema: A Glimpse into the World of Iranian Filmmaking
Iranian cinema is a vibrant and diverse art form that has produced some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films in the world. From the early days of classical cinema to the present-day new wave, Iranian filmmakers have consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual expression.
Iranian Cinema: A Journey Through Time and Space
The history of Iranian cinema can be divided into three main periods:
- The Classical Period (1930-1979): This period saw the emergence of Iranian cinema as a major force in world cinema. During this time, Iranian filmmakers such as Majid Majidi, Abbas Kiarostami, and Mohsen Makhmalbaf created films that were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
- The Revolution and Its Aftermath (1979-1990): The Iranian Revolution of 1979 had a profound impact on Iranian cinema. Many filmmakers were forced to flee the country, and those who remained were forced to operate under strict censorship. Despite these challenges, Iranian filmmakers continued to produce films that were both artistically and politically significant.
- The New Wave (1990-Present): The 1990s saw the emergence of a new generation of Iranian filmmakers who were unconstrained by the censorship of the previous decade. These filmmakers, such as Jafar Panahi, Asghar Farhadi, and Samira Makhmalbaf, created films that were both personal and political, and they quickly gained international acclaim.
From Classical Cinema to the New Wave
The classical period of Iranian cinema is characterized by its focus on realism and social commentary. Films from this period often deal with the lives of ordinary Iranians and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing society. Some of the most notable films from this period include:
- The Cow (1969), by Dariush Mehrjui: This film tells the story of a simple farmer who loses his beloved cow. The film is a powerful indictment of poverty and social injustice.
- The House Is Black (1963), by Forugh Farrokhzad: This film is a poetic and surreal exploration of the lives of lepers in a remote Iranian village. The film is a powerful indictment of the social ostracism of people with disabilities.
- Gav (1969), by Masoud Kimiai: This film tells the story of a young man who is drawn into a life of crime. The film is a powerful exploration of the social and economic forces that drive people to crime.
The new wave of Iranian cinema is characterized by its focus on experimentation and personal expression. Films from this period often use non-linear narratives, dream sequences, and other experimental techniques to explore complex themes such as identity, memory, and loss. Some of the most notable films from this period include:
- A Separation (2011), by Asghar Farhadi: This film tells the story of a couple who are going through a divorce. The film is a nuanced and compassionate exploration of the emotional fallout of divorce.
- The Salesman (2016), by Asghar Farhadi: This film tells the story of an actor who is accused of sexual assault. The film is a powerful exploration of the social and cultural dynamics of sexual assault.
- The White Balloon (1995), by Jafar Panahi: This film tells the story of a young boy who sets out to buy a goldfish for his ailing grandmother. The film is a charming and heartwarming exploration of childhood innocence.
Iranian cinema is a vibrant and diverse art form that has produced some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films in the world. From the early days of classical cinema to the present-day new wave, Iranian filmmakers have consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual expression.
Iranian films are often humanist social dramas that explore a seemingly minimalist storyline but through the art of allusion they are rich in political subtext The tension between religion and culture as well as conformity and individual desire creates a riveting viewing experience irancinemamuseum 189K followersIn Iran the growth of cinema is inextricably related to the rise of modernity and the nationstate Throughout the long twentieth century and into the new millennium Iranian cinema was a significant place where modernity and country were built contested and negotiated The two revolutions in twentiethcentury Iran namely the constitutional Case in point is Holy Spider by Iranborn Denmarkbased Ali Abbasi who was the toast of Cannes in 2018 with his genredefying Border which won the top
prize in Un Certain Regard The strength of these offerings combined with the relatively low cost of their production has led to a Golden Age of Iranian cinema in France Issued on 17122021 1859 4 min Stars of the In 1979 with the revolution the film was banned and assumed lost forever till it reappeared in the thrift shop after the film studio shut up shop with the advent of digital cinema As compelling as its backstory is Chess of the Wind is a glimpse into a world of Iranian cinema we know very little of The film in its dirgelike telling is On Saturday the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk an organization that supports filmmakers facing political persecution said Ms Keshavarz and Ms Khosrovani had been banned from One by Asghar Farhadi A Separation 21 made it into the top 25
Asghar Farhadis A Separation was the highestranking Iranian film in BBC Cultures poll at number 21 Credit Alamy Panah Panahi son of celebrated Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi premiered his first feature 39Hit the Road39 in the Directors Fortnight in Cannes
Iranian cinema is a must-see for anyone interested in world cinema. The films are beautifully shot, powerfully acted, and thought-provoking. They offer a unique glimpse into Iranian culture and society, and they are sure to stay with you long after you watch them.