**This class will be taught on Zoom**
Iranian cinema offers a rare lens into an ancient, diverse society often misrepresented by domestic and Western media. This course examines the ingenuity of filmmakers who navigate political persecution to craft works that represent, critique, and celebrate cultural nuances. We will review three decades of cinema in Abbas Kiarostami’s poetic narrative Where’s the Friend’s House (1987), Bahman Ghobadi’s poignant portrayals of the Kurdish minority in Turtles Can Fly (2004), and Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winning explorations of social conflicts and ethical dilemmas at A Separation (2011). Through thought-provoking discussions and historical insights, participants will uncover the cinematic artistry and cultural significance that have shaped perceptions of Iran at home and abroad.
Films should be watched ahead of time. Access information is below.
Week 1: Where’s the Friend’s House? (1987) - Directed by Abbas Kiarostami
Theme: Poetic Minimalism and Everyday Humanity
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Pre-Class: Watch the film. Reflect on how childhood is depicted and note any recurring visual motifs. Where’s the Friends’ House, by Abbas Kiarostami, available on Criterion, which requires a subscription but also offers a 7 day free trial. https://www.criterionchannel.com/where-is-the-friend-s-house
The movie is available on DVD, VHS, and BlueRay. Some libraries have a copy of it, too.
Week 2: Turtles Can Fly (2004) - Directed by Bahman Ghobadi
Theme: Resilience and the Marginalized Voice
Week 3: A Separation (2011) - Directed by Asghar Farhadi
Theme: Ethics, Ambiguity, and the Art of Conflict
