To examine the deteriorating relations between Palestine and Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, the director walks into the heart of Jerusalem, a city that has been a holy site for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity for centuries, where tension and hatred have become a daily reality. Even though Jews and Muslims live in the same building, they do not communicate with each other and occasionally attack one another. However, the residents, from their respective positions and perspectives, ponder solutions for coexistence and peace between Muslims and Jews.
A woman receives a letter from her sister in Kandahar, Afghanistan, who is planning to commit suicide before the solar eclipse. Determined to save her, the woman embarks on a dangerous journey through war-torn Afghanistan, facing various challenges and obstacles along the way. She encounters a drug addict, a thief, and a schoolteacher who lost his legs in a landmine explosion. With the help of a war correspondent and the United Nations, she navigates the harsh realities of life under the Taliban regime in an attempt to reach her sister in time.
A Moment of Innocence is a comedy-drama film directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. It tells the story of a filmmaker and an ex-policeman who reunite to reenact a stabbing incident from their past. The film explores themes of innocence, guilt, love, and hope within the context of Iranian filmmaking.
Gabbeh is a fable-like movie about the life of a young woman in a nomadic community. The story revolves around her courtship, marriage, and the unhappiness she experiences in her married life. The movie explores themes of tradition, yearning, and the search for happiness.
In Tajikistan, a blind boy named Khamro finds solace and joy in music when his family faces eviction and financial struggles. Assisted by an old man who repairs musical instruments, Khamro overcomes his blindness to become a talented musician. The film explores themes of poverty, family relationships, and the power of music in a harsh and challenging environment.
Documentary about Busan International Film Festival founder Kim Dong-ho.
Sex & Philosophy is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the complex nature of relationships and the quest for purpose. Set in a small town, the movie follows the intertwined lives of several characters who find themselves grappling with questions of love, desire, and the meaning of life. As the characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, they confront the joys and challenges of human connection and philosophical contemplation. With its captivating narrative and deep exploration of themes, Sex & Philosophy offers a unique perspective on the complexities of the human experience.
The Actor is a satirical comedy that follows the story of an aspiring actor in Iran. The film explores themes of wealth, poverty, obsession, love, insanity, and the Iranian filmmaking industry. The main character finds himself caught in a love triangle, while also struggling with issues such as deafness and childlessness. As he navigates his way through the world of film, he encounters various comedic and dramatic situations that highlight the absurdity of the industry and society at large.
The President is a drama film that tells the story of a hairdresser who, due to a series of unexpected events, becomes the president of his country. The film explores the challenges and transformations that the hairdresser-turned-president faces as he navigates the political landscape and tries to make a positive impact on the nation.
Short film from omnibus 'Beautiful 2015,' commissioned for the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society.
The Day I Became a Woman is a film composed of three vignettes highlighting the lives of women in Iran. The first story follows a young girl on her 9th birthday, when she is forced by village elders to wear a chador and lose her freedom. The second story focuses on a married woman who decides to go on a shopping spree and escape from the oppression of her husband. The final story portrays an elderly woman who becomes a target of ridicule when she climbs a tree to retrieve her stolen stove. Through these stories, the film explores themes of tradition, women's rights, and the struggle for freedom in Iran.
A film about an anthropologist and his daughter during three periods: before, during, and after the Iranian Revolution. The daughter works in the accident & emergency department of a hospital, which is never empty of suicidal patients. The reason behind each suicide attempt is different, especially before and after the revolution. Looking for a reason to live, one of the suicide patients falls in love with the anthropologist’s daughter.
Salaam Cinema is a satirical comedy documentary about a filmmaker who announces a casting call for his movie and interviews hundreds of aspiring actors. The film explores the challenges of filmmaking, job-seeking, and the politics of the Iranian film industry.
The movie consists of three episodes that explore the lives of poor and desperate in Iran. In episode one, a very poor couple with many crippled children abandon their newly born baby in hopes that it will have a better future. In the second episode, a mentally impaired and isolated young man tries to take care of his senile mother who is almost dead. In the third episode, a cowardly and desperate peddler tries to escape from his boss.
Valeh, a member of a leftist organization, is arrested by the SAVAK and sentenced to death. In prison, he reconsiders his relationships with members of his political cell, and begins to doubt the validity of the ideas for which he is condemned. At the same time, his comrades pressure him to make a sacrifice for their cause, and his beloved wife experiences personal problems and economic hardships.
In this semi-documentary film, a social worker discovers the neglected child of a blind mother in an oppressive and patriarchal society. As she unravels the story, she confronts the ignorance and sexism deeply embedded in Iranian culture.
Two-Legged Horse is a drama film set in Afghanistan. The story revolves around a boy and a two-legged horse. The boy becomes fond of the horse and takes care of it. The film explores themes of poverty, cruelty, and the power of friendship.
Marriage of the Blessed is a surrealistic drama set in post-war Lebanon. The story follows a photojournalist who is haunted by the traumas of war and struggles to find meaning and love in a society torn apart by conflict. With elements of surrealism and political commentary, the film explores themes of memory, poverty, and the search for justice.
An Iranian filmmaker and his son travel to Haifa, Israel to investigate a religion that originated a hundred and seventy years ago. Youth from all over come to Haifa to join this religion, and those who serve in the gardens that surround the holy places develop peace-loving attitudes through their interactions with nature. The filmmaker shares with his son the idea that if the Iranian people had adopted a peaceful religion, Iran would not be preparing a nuclear attack on Israel, but the son believes that all religions tend to bring about destruction. As a result of these arguments, father and son separate from one another and pursue their own paths.
Once Upon a Time, Cinema is a comedy drama that takes a surreal and satirical approach to explore the history of Iranian filmmaking. Set in Tehran, Iran, the film delves into the challenges faced by filmmakers under the censorship of the Shah of Iran. It showcases the journey of a cinematographer, a guillotine operator, a Charlie Chaplin look-alike, and a starlet, all intertwined in a nonlinear timeline. Through symbolism and experimental film techniques, the movie blurs the line between movie reality and the real world.