UCLA Celebration of Iranian Cinema

For more than two decades, UCLA Film & Television Archive has showcased the ever-unfolding film tradition of Iran for Southern California audiences.  This adventure has been a journey of constant discovery, as the Archive has tracked Iran’s national cinema, its evolving modes of storytelling and the perspectives and achievements of its leading talents.  In so doing we have created, in partnership with audiences and generous sponsors, a bona-fide saga of Iranian film history here in Los Angeles, as audiences have come face to face with outstanding Iranian cinematic achievements, and at times with filmmakers themselves, stimulating opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding through art where often there were few other avenues.  This year we celebrate a new field of surprising developments and diverse talents, who have fused social concerns and private fascinations with expert filmmaking.  As in recent years it is anticipated that some filmmakers will appear in person to discuss their work.  Please check the website for updates on in-person guests.

Program generously funded by

Special thanks:  Mark Amin, Alireza Ardekani, Ahmad Gramian—Farhang Foundation; Tom Vick—Freer and Sackler Galleries, Smithsonian Institution; Barbara Scharres—Gene Siskel Film Center; Marian Luntz—Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Ladan Taheri, Parham Vafaee—National Film Archive of Iran; Hamid Naficy.