Iran

WINNERS: Director Hassan Naser Shines A Personal And Meta Light On Iranian Cinema
WINNERS: Director Hassan Naser Shines A Personal And Meta Light On Iranian Cinema

Whilst some of Winners references and statements might not be evident to those unfamiliar with Iranian cinema, it has themes that are universal to all.

A HERO: The Moral Compass of Asghar Farhadi
A HERO: The Moral Compass of Asghar Farhadi

With A Hero, filmmaker Asghar Farhadi returns once again to the themes of societal strife that have run through his previous films.

THERE IS NO EVIL: A Mesmerizing And Slow Burning Ethics Thriller
THERE IS NO EVIL: A Mesmerizing And Slow Burning Ethics Thriller

Mohammad Rasoulof’s There is No Evil is an excellent and riveting drama with a few divets holding it from perfection.

THE NIGHT: Dawn Can Not Come Soon Enough
THE NIGHT: Dawn Can Not Come Soon Enough

With a lack of investment in its central character and a lackluster execution, The Night is a film not likely to see the dawn.

EXAM: A Notably Tense Iranian Short Film With Interesting Subtext
EXAM: A Notably Tense Iranian Short Film With Interesting Subtext

Sonia K. Hadad’s Exam is a 15-minute panic attack that doesn’t immediately de-escalate, embodied by Sadaf Asgari’s superb performance.

TIFF 2020: 180° Rule
TIFF 2020: 180° Rule

The individual pieces of 180° Rule can be quite accomplished, but the film simply isn’t able to capitalize on the sum of its own parts.

Venice Film Festival 2020: THE WASTELAND
Venice Film Festival 2020: THE WASTELAND

As one of two films representing Iran in the 77th Venice Film Festival, Ahmad Bahrami’s The Wasteland wrestles with themes of class and race.

Berlinale 2020: Interview With PARI Director Siamak Etemadi
Berlinale 2020: Interview With PARI Director Siamak Etemadi

We spoke with Pari director Siamak Etemadi about the tone of the film, its lead, and how he expects Western audiences will receive the film.

Berlinale 2020: YALDA, A NIGHT FOR FORGIVENESS
Berlinale 2020: YALDA, A NIGHT FOR FORGIVENESS

Yalda, A Night For Forgivness is a solidly crafted a socially conscious film while making some truly bold cinematic choices.

EVERYBODY KNOWS: A Compelling, Visceral Nightmare
EVERYBODY KNOWS: A Compelling, Visceral Nightmare

Everybody Knows may be a little overlong, but it’s frequently compelling due to a powerhouse performance by Penélope Cruz.

Video Dispatches: MARWENCOL, WATERWORLD and Iranian Cinema
Video Dispatches: MARWENCOL, WATERWORLD & Iranian Cinema

Video Dispatches is a regular digest of recent home video releases, usually from boutique and restorative labels. Here, we discuss Marwencol, Waterworld, and a trio of Iranian films.

TEHRAN TABOO: A Courageous And Sympathetic Exploration of Inequality In Contemporary Iran
TEHRAN TABOO: A Sympathetic Exploration Of Inequality In Contemporary Iran

Rotoscoping hasn’t really been used in this way before. True, this feature from German-Iranian animator…

THE SALESMAN: Morally Complex & Utterly Engaging
THE SALESMAN: Morally Complex & Utterly Engaging

The Salesman is the latest by renowned filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, succeeding as both a political thriller and a tightly-knit character drama.

A Few Important Films from Abbas Kiarostami: Essential Viewing For Tumultuous Times
The Beginner’s Guide To Abbas Kiarostami, Director: Essential Viewing For Tumultuous Times

Abbas Kiarostami was an Iranian filmmaker that was part of the Iranian New Wave, a movement concerning self-reflexive and humanistic films.

10 Great Horror Movies From Around the World Part 2
10 Great Horror Films From Around The World Part 3

Film is one of the best artistic mediums because it’s always growing; it speaks every language, and every place in the world has their iteration as to what’s scary, twisted, weird or just downright bizarre. Different countries offer different interpretations of horror, from China where vampires hop to Korean Shaman. They don’t wave crosses, nor do they compel the power of Christ upon anyone, but just don’t fall in love with Isabelle Adjani.