It Was Just An Accident (2025) *****

Jafar Panahi's greatest film, shot in secret in Iran, without a filming permit. It's a story of former political prisoners who face the question of whether to exact revenge on their tormentor. Gripping, suspenseful and constantly surprising.

Cutting Through Rocks (2025) ***

Fascinating documentary about a female councillor in an Iranian village, who challenges tradition by teaching girls to ride motorcycles and fighting against child marriage.

The Seed Of The Sacred Fig (2024) ****

Set during the anti-hijab protests in Iran, it's a tense, surprising drama about an investigative judge who finds himself in a tug-of-war against his wife and two daughters. The film was secretly shot in Iran by dissident director Mohammad Rasoulof, who is now wanted by the police in his own country, where he has been sentenced to eight years in prison, flogging, a fine and the confiscation of property. However, he managed to escape from Iran to attend the Cannes Film Festival, where he received a Special Award for his film.

Our Uniform (2023) ***

No Bears (2022) ****

Another excellent film from Jafar Panahi. It's about an Iranian filmmaker trying to direct (via Skype) a movie filmed across the border in Turkey while residing in a small village on the Iranian side of the border, and getting involved in a serious conflict in that village over a photograph of a young couple. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.

A Hero (2021) ***

Not as impressive as Asghar Farhadi's previous masterworks ("About Elly", "A Separation", "Le Passe" and "The Salesman"), but still a very fine Iranian melodrama about personal integrity and social prejudices.

Hidden (2020) ***

Interesting Iranian short film directed by Jafar Panahi.

Exam (2019) ***

A tense and suspenseful short film from Iran.

3 Faces (2018) ***

24 Frames (2017) ***

The Salesman (2016) ****

Iranian drama about an assault and its aftermath.

Taxi Tehran (2015) ***

Seagull Eggs (2014) ***

The destruction of three seagull eggs by the sea.

Le Passé (2013) ***

Thoughtful and complex film about family relationships. A coproduction between Iran and France.

The Gardener (2012) ***

A Separation (2011) *****

A superlative Iranian drama about a serious dispute between two couples. It's impossible, in view of the current tensions between Iran and The West over nuclear weapons and terrorism, not to see this film as a political allegory about a mutual lack of understanding among people. A well-deserved Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Film.

Only Sound Remains (2010) ***

Directed by Arash Ashtiani, a short Iranian film about the anti-government protests.

About Elly (2009) ****

Excellent Iranian drama about a mysterious disappearance of a young woman.

Two-Legged Horse (2008) ***

Buddha Collapsed Out of Shame (2007) *****

A little girl in Afghanistan tries to get to school. One of the greatest Iranian films of all times, directed by 18-years-old Hana Makhmalbaf (Mohsen's daughter and Samira's younger sister). A profound portrait of humanity at its most complex.