Iran
Films to buy
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Ten (2002)
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami
The story of a beautiful woman living in Tehran. She works as a driver and here she embarks upon ten journeys, developing relationships with her passengers in the course of her working day.
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The Hidden Half (2001)
Directed by Tahmineh Milani
Compelling acting in this story of tolerance and compassion. Milani was imprisoned in Iran for her descriptions of youthful political activity, and the first stirrings of love in a young woman.
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Blackboards (2000)
Directed by Samira Makhmalbaf
Set near the border with Iraq, the film follows a group of itinerant teachers who wander the countryside looking for students, carrying their blackboards with them. At various points a blackboard comes in useful as cover from gunfire, as a stretcher, and, chopped up, as a splint. Samira Makhmalbaf was just 19 when she directed this.
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The Circle (2000)
Directed by Jafar Panahi
The story of the lives of three Iranian women who must fend for themselves after being released from a penal institution. Panahi won the Golden Lion for this at the 2000 Venice Film Festival.
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The Day I Became a Woman (2000)
Directed by Marziyeh Meshkini
Poignant and uninhibited, this feature presents a study of the position of women in Middle Eastern societies, facing up to often harsh realities with not a little courage.
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The Apple (1998)
Directed by Samira Makhmalbaf
Twin girls, the daughters of a blind mother and poor father, are kept inside their home as virtual prisoners. Their father believes that they must not be exposed to the sun. A social worker attempts to persuade the family that it is in the best interests of the girls to allow them the chance to explore the outside world. Based on a true story with Farsi dialogue.
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A Taste of Cherry (1997)
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami
A man who is tired of life wants to commit suicide. He sets off to find someone to bury him after he is dead. Farsi dialogue. Also features his Short '10 On Ten'.
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Children of Heaven (1997)
Directed by Majid Majidi
Children of Heaven was the first Iranian film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award.
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The Cow (1969)
Directed by Dariush Mehrjui
Compelling symbolic drama about a simple villager and his nearly mythical attachment to his cow.
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