Archive for category: Culture

Due to the fact that music has always had a profound effect on the human spirit, it has had a special place in different societies. While every form of art influences human thoughts and emotions in its own way, music deserves the highest rank among the seven arts because of its immediate and profound impact. Throughout history, great composers, inspired by the melodies found in nature, have managed to create songs that have not been forgotten for centuries and continue influencing listeners. In addition to being influential, music is powerful enough to convey meaning to the extent that governments and the elderly, in various historical periods, have made attempts to silence it but have never succeeded. In this article, we are going to get to know the basics of Iran folk music and examine the most popular Iranian folk music instruments.

What Is Traditional Iranian Music Called?

Persian traditional music is usually referred to as “Iranian music” or “Iranian classical music.” This musical tradition, which has its roots in ancient Iranian civilization, includes a rich tapestry of melodies, rhythms, and poetic poems. It is characterized by the use of modal scales known as “Dastgah” and “Maqam,” which contribute to its distinctive tonality. The genre has evolved over the centuries, drawing inspiration from various historical influences and neighboring cultures. Iranian music acts as a cultural treasure that reflects the deep heritage and artistic expression of the Iranian people.

The Most Popular and Famous Traditional Iranian Instruments

Iran has so many famous and popular traditional instruments. Here we introduce you to the top 10 popular instruments of Iran.

1. Tar

The Tar is among the most renowned plucked string instruments in Iran, played with a plectrum. Besides being popular in Iran, the Tar is utilized in other Middle Eastern regions such as Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and various areas near the Caucasus for performing traditional music. In the past, the Iranian Tar had five strings, and Gholamhossein Darvish or Darvish Khan added a sixth string, which is still in use today.

2. Setar

Setar is one of the traditional Iranian plucked string instruments that belong to the Tanbur family. Played with the index finger of the right hand, it has four strings. In the past, it had three strings, and the addition of the fourth string transformed it into the Setar we know today.

Known for its intimate sound, the Setar spans approximately three octaves in tonal range.

3. Dotar

Another beloved Iranian instrument is the Dotar, bearing striking similarities to the Setar. With a history dating back thousands of years, the Dotar is crafted with various patterns in different regions. It finds more popularity in places like Khorasan, Mazandaran, and Nishapur.

4. Tanbur

Tanbur, which is considered one of the oldest traditional instruments in Iran, has a significant place in mystical and classical music. The Tanbur has three strings and is played without the need for an artificial plectrum, using four fingers of the right hand with techniques like right, left, and shur strokes.

5. Oud

The Oud, or Barbat, is an Iranian and Middle Eastern plucked string instrument widely popular in North African and Arab countries. With a history spanning thousands of years, the Oud is played with a plastic plectrum and comes in various models chosen based on the musician’s taste and style.

6. Kamancheh

The Kamancheh is one of the most famous Iranian instruments, played with a bow, similar to a violin. It has a rich history and is commonly used in various Iranian musical regions. The larger version, known as Qichak-e Bam, even employs a violin bow.

7. Santur

The Santur is a widely used instrument in Iranian music. This hammered dulcimer has a trapezoidal shape and numerous strings, played with two wooden mallets.

The most common type, known as the 9/72 Santur, has 72 strings divided into four groups of four, helping to its distinctive sound.

8. Ney

The Ney, or Nay, is a seven-holed flute and one of Iran’s wind instruments. Categorized as a non-lipped flute, it does not require a reed. Ney players use various types of Ney with their preferred reeds in ensemble and solo performances.

9. Tonbak

The Tonbak is an Iranian goblet-shaped drum and is considered one of the main percussion instruments in traditional Iranian music. It plays a crucial role in accompanying other instruments and solo performances.

10. Daf

The Daf is a frame drum and one of the rhythmic cornerstones in Iranian music. With a wooden frame and skin, it is played with hands and fingers. The Daf is often used in Sufi music and traditional ensembles.

Various Performance Forms of Iranian Music

One of the wonders of Iranian music lies in its incredible diversity of performance styles, varying across regions and occasions. Musical expressions in different areas and traditional settings have always taken on distinct forms, each tailored to the specific context or type of event. For example, in the southern regions of Iran, a ceremony called “Zaar” is held, where music becomes an inseparable and irreplaceable element.

During Zaar ceremonies, a group of musicians guides an individual, often referred to as “Mama Zaar” or “Baba Zaar,” with utmost respect. As the musicians perform, the audience engages rhythmically, expressing their support through hand claps or body movements. According to the beliefs of the region, this participation is a form of assistance in the healing process for the individual for whom the Zaar ceremony is organized.

Similarly, in many northern and northwestern areas of the country, traditional music plays an important role in the joyous celebrations of the local people. The tunes and melodies of traditional music enhance the festive atmosphere, adding a colorful dimension to the cultural richness of these regions. This dynamic variation in musical expressions across Iran reflects the profound connection between music and local traditions.

The Most Famous Music of the Regions of Iran

Iran, as a vast country in the Middle East, has many famous regional music. Here is a brief description of each regional music of Iran:

Baluchi Music

Baluchi music, originating from the Balochistan region, features unique melodies and rhythms. It reflects the cultural richness of the Baloch people and often expresses themes of love, migration, and daily life.

Azerbaijani Turkish Music

Azerbaijani Turkish music, which is popular in the Azerbaijan region, is characterized by lively rhythms and vibrant melodies. It has a distinct identity within the broader context of Iranian music, influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Bakhtiari Music

Bakhtiari music, which originates from the Bakhtiari region, is the embodiment of the tradition and heritage of the Bakhtiari people. The music is deeply rooted in the nomadic lifestyle, featuring both instrumental and vocal expressions.

Southern Iranian Music

Southern Iranian music, influenced by the Persian Gulf and its coastal communities, is characterized by rhythmic beats and lively tunes. It often incorporates traditional instruments such as the Oud and reflects the vibrant culture of the southern regions.

Gilaki Music

Gilaki music hails from the Gilan region and showcases the unique musical traditions of the Gilaki people. With its distinct melodies and poetic lyrics, Gilaki music is an essential part of the cultural identity of the region.

Khorasani Music

Khorasani music, originating from the Khorasan region, has a diverse range of melodies. It reflects the history and cultural diversity of the area, often featuring traditional instruments like the Dotar and Ney.

Qazvini Music

Qazvini music represents the musical heritage of the Qazvin region. Known for its melodic intricacies, Qazvini music often incorporates local instruments and reflects the historical influences on the area.

Kurdish Music

Kurdish music is deeply rooted in the Kurdish cultural identity, featuring a range of emotions and themes. The music often tells stories of struggle, love, and the Kurdish way of life, with traditional instruments such as the Tanbur and Kamancheh.

Mazandarani Music

Originating from the Mazandaran region, Mazandarani music is characterized by lively and joyful melodies. It often features traditional instruments such as the Daf and Kamancheh, reflecting the spirited nature of the Mazandarani people.

Lorestan Music

Loristan music reflects the cultural heritage of the Lur people, with distinctive melodies and rhythms. Often performed during celebrations and gatherings, Lorestan music adds a unique flavor to the musical landscape of Iran.

Namdari Music

Namdari music, prevalent in coastal regions such as Bandar Abbas, reflects the lifestyle of the Persian Gulf communities. With its unique rhythms and instruments, Namdari music adds a distinct maritime flavor to Iranian music.

Hamadani Music

Hailing from the Hamadan region, Hamadani music features traditional instruments and melodies that showcase the cultural heritage of the area. It adds a unique musical voice to the diverse tapestry of Iranian music.

Dezful Music

Dezful music, rooted in the city of Dezful, reflects the cultural traditions of the region. Often incorporating local instruments, Dezful music contributes to the vibrant musical mosaic of Iran.

The Most Famous Musicians of Ancient Iran

In ancient Iran, several famous musicians left a lasting impact on the country’s musical landscape. One such prominent figure is Barbod, a prized musician during the Sassanian Empire (224–651 AD). Barbod was not only a skilled instrument player but also a prominent music theorist. His contributions to the development of musical notation and the creation of various musical instruments earned him a prominent place in Iranian music history.

Another famous figure of ancient Iran is Nakisa, a legendary musician believed to have lived during the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC). Nakisa was not only a skilled harpist but also a revered vocalist. Her musical talents are said to have won the hearts of kings and contributed to her reputation as one of the most influential musicians of his time. These ancient musicians, such as Barbod and Nakisa, laid the groundwork for rich musical traditions that have continued to flourish throughout Iranian history.

Listen to some of the Iranian folk music on our YouTube channel!

Another respected musician of ancient Iran is Farabi, who is also known as Al-Farabi in the Islamic world. Farabi, who lived during the Golden Age of Islam (872-950 AD), was a multi-talented individual who contributed significantly to various fields, including philosophy, music theory, and science. His work in music theory, especially “Kitab al-Musiqi al-Kabir” (The Great Book of Music), became a cornerstone of understanding the principles of music.

Iranian Folk Music Songs List

Iranian folk music has a diverse array of songs, each carrying its own unique charm and cultural significance. While there are countless Iranian folk music songs, here is a list of some famous Persian folk songs:

1. “Morgh-e Sahar” (The Morning Bird): A classic Persian folk song expressing themes of love and passion, often performed by various artists.
2. Bālūchī Folk Song: The Balochi people, with their distinct cultural heritage, contribute to Iranian folk music with unique songs that capture the spirit of the Balochistan region.
3. “Ey Iran” (Oh Iran): An iconic patriotic folk song that celebrates the beauty and history of Iran, often considered an unofficial national anthem.
4. “Hamdel” (Companion): A traditional folk song expressing the theme of companionship and camaraderie, often performed with heartfelt emotion.
5. “Chaharmezrab”: A lively instrumental piece commonly played on traditional Iranian string instruments, showcasing the country’s musical prowess.
6. “Jodai” (Farewell): A poignant folk song expressing themes of farewell and departure, showing the bittersweet essence of parting.
7. “Dastgah-e Shur”: A traditional musical composition in the Shur mode, showcasing the intricate melodic structures and improvisational elements of Iranian folk music.
8. “Mastom, Mastom” (I Am Drunk, I Am Drunk): A spirited folk song often performed during celebrations and festive occasions, celebrating the joy of life.
9. “Gol-e Sangam” (My Stone Flower): A love ballad with poetic lyrics comparing the beloved to a precious stone flower.
10. “Zarbi-e Bandari”: A rhythmic and lively folk song from the southern coastal regions of Iran, accompanied by traditional Bandari dance movements.

Final Word

In the end, Persian folk music is a testimony of Iran’s rich cultural heritage, whose roots are deep in history. From the soulful melodies of ancient musicians such as Barbod and Nakisa to the scientific contributions of Farabi in the Golden Age of Islam, the tapestry of Iranian music has flourished. The diverse array of traditional instruments, countless regional performance forms, and outstanding musicians from ancient times have collectively formed a musical tradition that is both living and enduring.

Today, Iranian folk music continues to fascinate the audience with its deep melodies that show the cultural diversity and historical depth of this ancient land. Not only as an art form but also as a living expression of Iran’s rich heritage, it connects generations and preserves the unique musical heritage of this outstanding country.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours. Find out where to hear traditional Iranian music.

Iran is full of beautiful cities and locations where you can enjoy nature and the atmosphere. Surely, traveling to Iran comes with new challenges, and it isn’t easy to choose your travel destination. One of the ways that you can learn more about the culture of Iran and its beautiful cities and locations is to watch Iranian Movies and get in-depth with their culture. Many Best Iranian Films are at a world-class level. In this article, we have gathered a top 10 list of Iranian movies, and by watching them, you can learn more about Iranian cities.

Atabai (Khoi City)

The first movie on the list of top 10 movies is Atabai, which is a 2020 drama movie directed by Niki Karimi, one of the most known Iranian actresses. The movie Atabai was one of the challenging works of Niki Karimi, as he doesn’t have any professional background in directing a film. However, Atabai does a great job at describing a local story, and Niki Karimi proves that she can also be a good director, along with being an actress. The actors play very well, and a good story plot completes the movie. The story is about Kazem, a middle-aged man who lives in a village. He has left the university because of a former love, but when two sisters enter his life, he falls in love once again. The story takes place in Khoi City, and the location of the filmmaking provides an ideal atmosphere for the story.

When the Moon Was Full (Sistan and Baluchestan)

When the Moon Was Full is a 2019 film starring Hootan Shakiba, Elnaz Shakerdoost, and Amin Rahimian. Narges Abyar, one of the professional directors of Iran, directed the movie. When the Moon Was Full happens in Sistan and Baluchestan and has a closer look at a story that is based on real life. In this movie, the lives of the people of Sistan and Baluchestan are shown from a different approach. The story is mainly about a romance between Faezeh and Abdolhamid, who get married in the film. But after a while, Faezeh becomes aware of Abdolhamid’s family in Sistan and Baluchestan province and that they are involved in illegal activities. Later on, Faezeh decides to escape with her husband to Pakistan to get away from them, but in Pakistan, they meet Abdolhamid’s brother, Abdolmalek Rigi, who is a terrorist.

Sholevar (Zabol)

Written by Hamid Nematollah and Hadi Moghadamdoost, Sholevar is a 2018 movie starring Amin Hayaye, Zahra Hatami, and Darya Hayayee. The movie takes a closer look at the existential crisis that is affected the life of our protagonist, Amin Hayayee. The movie’s plot is about a man who feels that he is a nobody and hasn’t achieved anything fulfilling in life, which affects his whole life. The movie takes place in Zabol, and the atmosphere of the locations has helped a lot to the overall quality of the film. Sholevar is a movie that shows the concepts of jealousy and addiction very well.

What’s the time in your world? (Rasht City)

A movie about love and longing, directed by Safi Yazdanian and starring Leila Hatami and Ali Mosaffa. What’s the Time in Your World is one of those movies that, had it been filmed somewhere else except Rasht or the province of Gilan, would’ve not been this great. In fact, this movie has brought many locals and tourists to Gilan. A drama-romance story that gets to perfection with its locations, soundtracks, and background music.

Christophe Rezai, the music composer of the film, did a great job synchronizing the movie and the music with the locations. You will fall in love with Rasht if you watch this movie.

Gilaneh (Deylaman City)

Gilaneh is a 2004 drama and anti-war movie about the struggles of a mother during the hard times of war. The movie Gilaneh includes famous actors and actresses, including Fatemah Motamed-Aria, Bahram Radan, and Baran Kosari. The location of the movie is mainly in Deylaman, a beautiful area that is great for nature lovers. Gilaneh shows a mother’s courage, hardships, and love in the times of war in 1988 (Iran and Iraq war). If you want to watch an anti-war drama filmed in a beautiful location, Gilaneh 2004 is the best choice.

So Close, So Far (Mesr Desert)

So Close, So Far is a 2005 movie directed by Reza Mirkarimi. The film was a representative of Iran for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. The movie features talented actors such as Alireza Phoenix, Masoud Rayegan, and Afshin Hashemi. The plot is about a specialist in neurology and a successful surgeon named Dr. Alam who devotes all of himself to his professional and social work and completely ignores his family and his relationships with his close friends. The film is about life, death, and parental love and discusses these ideas. The film includes beautiful desert locations and night skies that can be thrilling.

A Dragon Arrives! (Qeshm Island)

Written and directed by Mani Haghighi, featuring Amir Jadidi, Ehsan Goodariz, and Homayoun Ghanizadeh, A Dragon Arrives is a drama and mystery film produced in 2016. The movie is one of the best dramas that has 6 wins and 11 nominations on its record.

A Dragon Arrives is a mystery and thriller film that tells the story of an abandoned shipwreck in the middle of the desert landscape and a dead prime minister who was shot in front of the parliament. The movie takes place in different locations, including Qeshm Island, and can be a good and exciting movie to watch.

The Wind Carpet (Isfahan City)

The Wind Carpet is about a Japanese designer who wants a custom-woven Persian Carpet and desires to take part in the Art Festival in her hometown. The movie is about the struggles of this Japanese designer and showcases the culture and art of the Iranian people, especially the people of Isfahan. The Wind Carpet was filmed in Isfahan and directed by Kamal Tabrizi. The movie stars are Reza Kianian, Rentaro Mikuni, and Takaaki Enoki. The movie has won 2 awards and 1 nominee, so make sure to watch The Wind Carpet and learn about Isfahan City. As one of the top 10 movies of Iran, we highly recommend watching this movie.

Don’t Be Tired (Kerman City)

Don’t Be Tired is about a Canadian couple who visit a desert in Kerman with the hope of fixing their uneasy relationship over the death of their son. These Canadian couple meet struggles on their trip, and the situation gets complicated when they face new problems on their hopeful trip. The movie is directed by Mohsen Gharaie and Afshin Hatami. The writers of the film are Reza Mirkarimi and Mohammad Rezaee Rad. Don’t Be Tired is a 2013 family drama that is worth watching. The movie takes place in the beautiful region of Kerman and shows lovely desert landscapes to viewers, which also adds to the cinematic beauty of the movie.

A Cube of Sugar (Yazd City)

Filmed in Yazd City, one of the top 10 movies A Cube of Sugar tells the story of a family gathering and a marriage that happens in an old house in an old city in Iran. A Cube of Sugar is directed by Reza Mirkarimi and features the Iranian stars Reza Kianian, Negar Javaherian, and Farhad Aslani.

One of the brilliant facts about the movie is that all of the characters are well-played, and each one of them represents something in real life. The movie was filmed in Yazd, and we can hear the beautiful Yazdi accent. A Cube of Sugar is a must-watch film and has won several nominees and awards.

Movies about Iran Cities You Have to Watch

Watching a movie can be a fun activity. Iranian movies are well-known for their realism and beautiful approaches to the problems of society. By watching Iranian movies, you can also learn more about Iranian cities. You can gather information about the people of a region or even their culture. You can also check out different locations in Iran by only watching a film. For example, in the film What’s Time In Your World, one of the key advantages of the movie is its beautiful locations and sceneries, which make the movie enjoyable to watch and get interested in traveling to the province of Gilan. So, make sure to watch these top 10 movies and learn about Iran’s beautiful locations.

Final Words

Iran is a fascinating country that you can travel to any time of the year and still enjoy its different parts. There are many great locations to visit and enjoy their culture, nature, and history. One of the ways that travelers and tourists can choose their destination is to watch Iranian Movies and learn more about its cities and locations. This way, they can gather more information and determine their preferences better. If you want to travel to Iran, first watch some of their movies in different genres to have a better experience on your trip.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for an Iran travel agency? Check out our Iran tours and feel free to contact us. Maybe you will find interesting cinemas in Iran.

Today, we cannot imagine the world without cinema, as it is one of the most popular forms of art. One of the most famous French directors, Jean-Luc Godard quotes about cinema: “Cinema is the most beautiful fraud in the whole world”. Moreover, we can state that cinema of every country is a representative of the art and culture of that place. So additionally, the cinema of every region can lead to knowing more about the general or detailed identity of a place and its people. In this article, we prepared a list of the best Iranian movies to watch and learn more about the culture of Iran.

Best Iranian Movies of All Time

Iran has a long history of filmmaking in Asia, and cinema is the most loved form of art by Iranian people. Iranian cinema showcases moral values and ethics. Some of them even are considered poetic cinema of Iran.

With a variety of incredible movies and various professional directors, making Iran’s movie list is a difficult task. However, some films distinguish them from the others. These movies are the best Iranian movies of all time, each one of them being a masterpiece of their time and even beyond. The following list is the greatest Iranian movies ever made that you should watch.

Breath – Narges Abyar

Breath (Nafas) is a 2016 Iranian drama movie and one of the latest best Iranian films that are directed by Narges Abyar, who is also known for her award-winning films “Track 143” and “When the Moon Was Full”. Although “Breath” was chosen as Iran’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards, it did not receive a nomination. “Breath” narrates the experiences of Bahar, a young girl residing in a secluded Iranian village during the Iran-Iraq war.

Bahar’s father is serving as a soldier on the front lines, leaving her mother to struggle with mental illness due to the stress of his prolonged absence. Despite the challenges, Bahar remains strong and optimistic, taking solace in her relationships with the other village children. Nonetheless, when tragedy strikes, Bahar must confront the brutal realities of war and its devastating impact on her family and community. The Breath by Narges Abyar received several positive critics and reviews from reviewers and won several awards at International film festivals.

Hamoun – Dariush Mehrjui

Hamoun is a 1989 classical movie in the psychological drama genre directed by the well-known Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui. Perhaps, Hamoun is one of the Greatest Iranian movies ever made, starring Khosrow Shakibai and Bita Farrahi. The film has won several awards and is a cult since 1989 in Iran and globally. The film is 122 minutes long, and the screenplay is also by Darisuh Mehrjui.

The plot of “Hamoun” revolves around the life of the titular character, Hamid Hamoun, a middle-aged intellectual and writer who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in his life. The film is set in Tehran, Iran, during the 1980s. At the beginning of the film, Hamoun is shown as a man who is disillusioned with his life. He has lost his inspiration as a writer and is distant from his wife, Mahshid, and their son. Hamoun retreats into his world of books and ideas, becoming increasingly isolated and detached from his family and friends. As the film progresses, Hamoun’s personal life begins to unravel. His wife becomes frustrated with his lack of engagement in their relationship and the absence of love in their marriage life, and she eventually leaves him. Hamoun becomes increasingly obsessed with finding meaning in his life, but he is unable to connect with the people around him and even with himself.

The Glass Agency – Ebrahim Hatamikia

The Glass Agency is one of the best Iranian movies to watch to experience a thrill and know more about the revolutionary period of the 1990s. The Glass Agency is written and directed by Ebrahim Hatamikia and is one of his best works. The movie stars Parvis Parastui, Reza Kianian, Bita Badran, and Habib Rezaei. The Plot is about two veterans Iran-Araq war, which affected a lot to Iran’s status. The movie reveals undiscovered aspects of postwar society and shows it very well.

The Glass Agency is an exploration of the complex ethical issues in postwar society. The film has gained several positive reviews and critical and commercial success in Iran and has been known as one of the most important works in the list of Best Irani Movies Imdb.

The Cow – Dariush Mehrjui

Another great work by Dariush Mehrjui is The Cow 1969. The Cow is a classical movie starring Ezzatolah Entezami, who is one of the most beloved and professional actors in the Cinema of Iran. The movie tells the story of a middle-aged Iranian villager named Masht Hassan, who owns a cow. The Cow revolves around the connection and close relationship between Masht Hassan and his cow. As the story progress, the cow suddenly dies, which results in great grief and loss for Masht Hassan. The movie showcases Masht Hassan’s inability to accept the cow’s death as he begins to imagine that the cow is still alive. Masht Hassan’s behavior became suspicious after this trauma and its effects, and the villagers questioned his sanity.

The Cow is considered one of the first films that created the Iranian new wave in cinema. The Cow by Dariush Mehrjui has received several psychological criticisms and positive reactions. The film is one of the best plays of Ezzatollah Entezami, the role of Masht Hassan.

Mother – Ali Hatami

One of the best Iranian movies of all time, the Mother, created by Ali Hatami, is an exploration of the depth and power of a mother’s love for her child. The movie portrays the relationship between family members and the importance of family. The Mother by Ali Hatami can be a great movie for a holiday with your family as it is heartwarming and meaningful. The movie has several great actors and actresses, including Fatemeh Motamed Arya, Farimah Farjami, Roghayeh Chehreh-Azad, Amin Tarokh, Mohammad Ali Keshavarz, and Akbar Abdi.

The story is set in the 1950s in Iran, and it begins with a young boy named Reza, who is fascinated by his mother’s beauty and kindness. Reza’s mother, played by the legendary Iranian actress, Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, is a strong and independent woman who works as a nurse. She is also deeply devoted to Reza and provides him with unconditional love and support. As the story continues, Reza faces difficulties and hardships in seeing her mother. The movie portrays very well the connection between a parent and a child and delivers meaningful messages.

Where is the Friend’s House? – Abbas Kiarostami

Abbas Kiarostami is an Iranian director and film producer who has global fame in the world of cinema. Where is the Friend’s House is one of the top movies that Abbas Kiarostami has created. The movie’s title is from one of Sohrab Sepehri’s (notable Iranian poet) poems. The movie received much praise, especially from great directors such as Akira Kurosawa, who cites this movie as one of his favorite films. Abbas Kiarostami is one of the greatest Iranian filmmakers in the cinematic universe.

The movie follows a young boy named Ahmed, who accidentally takes his classmate’s notebook and tries to return it to him before he gets in trouble. Ahmed embarks on a journey to find his friend’s house but faces several obstacles, including getting lost and encountering unhelpful adults. Ahmed’s determination and persistence enable him to overcome these challenges and eventually find his friend’s house.

The Salesman – Asghar Farhadi

The Salesman is a 2016 drama directed by Asghar Farhadi and starring Shahab Hosseini and Taraneh Alidoosti. The Salesman is the story of a married couple named Rana and Emad, who are theatre actors. When they move to a new house, Rana gets assaulted by an intruder, and the movie follows Emad as he begins to search for the criminal.

The Salesman by Asghar Farhadi is a complex drama that greatly narrates scenes from a marriage. Asghar Farhadi explores Iranian lives and culture and showcases themes such as justice, revenge, and moral values. The Salesman gained many positive reviews and critics, proving that Asghar Farhadi can very well his unique ideas. The movie won several awards, such as Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film 2017, Best Screenplay for Asian Film Awards, Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival, Best International Film at Munich Film Festival, and many others.

Life and a Day – Saeed Roustayi

Life and a Day is a 2016 Iranian drama film directed by Saeed Roustayi. Starring Payman Maadi, Navid Mohammadzadeh, Parinaz Izadyar, Rima Raminfar, and Shirin Yazdanbakhsh, the movie is the story of the impending marriage of Somayeh (played by Parinaz Izadyar), the youngest daughter of a financially struggling family, has left every member of the household feel overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty about how they will cope with the challenges that will arise once she is gone.

Life and a Day by Saeed Roustayi received critical acclaim and positive opinions from the Iranian people. Life and a Day won the Best Film Award at the 35th Fajr International Film Festival. The movie was also Iran’s submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards. Life and a Day is one of the notable works of Saeed Roustayi, who does a great job of narrating the story and drama in his films.

Children of Heaven – Majid Majidi

An Iranian family drama made in 1997 and directed by Majid Majidi, Children of Heaven is the story of a brother and a sister who live in poverty in Tehran. The movie is notable for its striking natural performances and acting, especially from young leads. Majid Majidi has so much talent for working with child actors which he manages to draw out an authentic and natural performance from young actors in Children of Heaven. Besides great performances, Children of Heaven has beautiful cinematography capturing the bustling urban landscapes of Tehran. The movie was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 71st Academy Awards.

The plot takes place in Tehran and follows the lives of Ali and Zahra, two young siblings who are struggling to make ends meet. The story continues as Zahra’s only pair of shoes is accidentally lost, and a new struggle happens to these two siblings.

A Separation – Asghar Farhadi

Asghar Farhadi is one of the famous Iranian directors known for his great works, such as About Elly, Dancing in the Dust, and The Salesman. One of the best works of Asghar Farhadi is “A Separation” which is also known as “Nader and Simin, A Separation”. The movie is a 2011 drama starring Leila Hatami, Peyman Moaadi, Shahab Hosseini, Sareh Bayat, and Sarina Farhadi. The movie is about a middle-class couple named Nader and Simin who seek a divorce after Simin expresses a desire to leave Iran with their daughter, Termeh.

The movie is regarded as a masterpiece in Iranian cinema and gained a world reputation. A Separation by Asghar Farhadi won Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards of 2012 and was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. It is also the first Iranian film to win the Golden Bear.

The Power of Iran’s Cinema

Cinema is a great way to understand a country’s culture, history, and people. Iran has many great movies and a long history of filmmaking. There are a variety of best Iranian films in every genre, however, watching all of them could take an eternity. In this list, we have gathered some of the best Iranian movies of all time, which attracted thousands of viewers from all around the world. All the movies on the list are highly recommended by great directors. Overall, if you are a cinema buff or want to know more about Iran, make sure to watch the best Iranian movies.

Are you interested in the culture of Iran? Check out our Iran Tours.