The Cinema of Iran is unique even for avant-garde cinema in the Global landscape!
The cinema of Iran has been on the edge of the global art film scene since the early 70s. Every film buff or cinephile, who has a considerable understanding or knowledge of foreign films will come across the films of these distinguished and artistic filmmakers on their journey of watching movies. The filmmakers found a language to convey profound images and deep emotional ideas by communicating through the precise tapestry of images and amorphous narratives. The picturesque quality of the films is linked to their rich history and artistic traditions and highlights the core values of the demographic. The main nature of the artistic voice of these works is often in the mode of documentary fiction and has a clear distinction from other works. This list contains a range of directors from the late 60’s to the present day. All of whom have left their inimitable marks on the global scene of alternative and narrative artistic cinema.
Abbas Kiarostami is a poet on film. He is a multifaceted artist who started his career with graphic design but gradually shifted to filmmaking, he is also a poet and a prolific photographer. Some of his most notable works include films like Close-up, and The Koker Trilogy, and a must-watch in this filmography is the 1997 film Taste of Cherry which won him the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. His films are a treat and invite a whole new perspective on the medium of cinema. Sadly, Kiarostami passed away in 2016, and his death was mourned by the entire world cinema community.
The greatest modern Iranian filmmaker is probably Jafar Panahi, a student of Abbas Kiarostami, he is probably the culmination of the cerebral filmmakers of Iran, his hydra-headed narratives are so subtle they challenge the medium in every aspect, his films are emotional and have a sense of deep societal understanding and seems to be in tune with the pulse of the nation. His best films include works like Taxi Tehran, The White Balloon, and No Bears.
