Editor's note: This page was updated on April 16, 2025, to clarify the synopsis for “Razeh-del.”
The UCLA Film & Television Archive and its supporting partner, the Farhang Foundation, are pleased to present this year’s compelling UCLA Celebration of Iranian Cinema. Over nine screenings from June 14 to 29, the series features a diverse lineup that spotlights the best contemporary and classic feature-length films from Iran and the Iranian diaspora. The films illuminate identity, resistance, cultural heritage, pressing human rights issues and the quest for justice. There is also a tribute to writer-director Dariush Mehrjui, recognizing his enduring impact on cinema and the arts.
Offering a unique lens into the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating complex cultural landscapes, the series kicks off June 14 with “Reading Lolita in Tehran” (Italy/Israel, 2024), based on Azar Nafisi’s New York Times bestselling memoir. It’s directed by Eran Riklis and stars Golshifteh Farahani, Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Mina Kavani. The screening will be preceded by the short film “A Move” (U.K./Iran, 2024), a documentary by Elahe Esmaili.
On June 15, the Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival first prize winner “Suitcase” (Iran, 2023) will screen at 3 p.m., followed by Milad Alami’s “Opponent” (Sweden/Norway, 2023), starring Payman Maadi, Marall Nasiri, Amirali Abanzad. At 7 p.m., the day will conclude with the Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival third prize winner “The Dinner Party” (Iran, 2023), followed by Ali Samadi Ahadi’s “Seven Days” (Germany, 2024), starring Vishka Asayesh, Majid Bakhtiari, Tanaz Molaei.
The series continues June 20 with the Farhang Foundation Short Film Festival second prize winner “Left Handed” (Iran, 2024), followed by “The Witness” (Germany/Austria, 2024), starring Maryam Boubani, Nader Naderpour and Abbas Imani, and co-written and directed by Nader Saeivar. On June 21, the series will showcase films that delve into themes of tyranny, violence and the complexities of identity and exile, including “And How Miserable is the Home of Evil” (Switzerland/Iran, 2023) and “The Old Bachelor” (Iran, 2024), starring Leila Hatami, Hamed Behdad and Hassan Pourshirazi.
June 22, the series continues with “Celluloid Underground” (U.K./Iran, 2023), directed by London-based Ehsan Khoshbakht. This film is a captivating blend of cinema history, memoir and a meditation on place and identity. It will be preceded by “Razeh-del” (U.K., 2024), an award-winning film by Maryam Tafakory that pays homage to Zan, an Iranian women’s newspaper published in the 1990s.
Audiences will be treated to “The Siren,” June 27, starring Mina Kavani, Hamidreza Djavdan and Parviz Sayyad, a visually striking 2D animated film directed by Sepideh Farsi. This poignant narrative follows 14-year-old Omid as he navigates the chaos of the Iran-Iraq War.
The series will conclude with a two-evening tribute June 28-29 to the life and legacy of Iranian writer-director Mehrjui, whose influential work has shaped Iranian cinema for over five decades. The tribute will feature screenings of some of Mehrjui’s most iconic films, including “Leila” (Iran, 1997), starring Leila Hatami, Ali Mosaffa and Jamileh Sheikh; “Hamoon” (Iran, 1990), starring Khosro Shakibai, Bita Farahi and Ezzatolah Entezami; and “The Pear Tree” (Iran, 1998), starring Homayoun Ershadi and Golshifteh Farahani; along with in-person appearances by two of the filmmaker’s children — Maryam Mehrjui and Safa Mehrjui.
Reflecting on the upcoming presentation, Paul Malcolm, senior public programmer at the Archive, said: “Some of the most engaged and engaging cinema in the world right now is being made by Iranian filmmakers, whether working in Iran or abroad as part of the Iranian diaspora, many of whom are putting their lives and freedoms at risk to add their voices to the cause of resistance. It is an honor to once again highlight their work at the Billy Wilder Theater with the generous support of our partners at the Farhang Foundation.”
Alireza Ardekani, chief executive officer of Farhang Foundation, added: “Farhang Foundation is honored to continue our incredible partnership with the UCLA Film & Television Archive in presenting the UCLA Celebration of Iranian Cinema — one of the longest-running showcases of Iranian film in the world. This important series provides a vital platform for Iranian filmmakers and storytellers to share their diverse voices, creative visions and cultural perspectives with a broader audience. We are proud to support this program and its role in fostering greater understanding, appreciation and dialogue through the art of cinema.”
The series is generously funded by the Farhang Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Iranian art and culture.
In-person screenings are held at the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum. All programs are free through June 2026, thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. For more information, including program and admission details, please visit cinema.ucla.edu. Schedules and guest speakers are subject to change.
