Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami's poignant satire of modern Iranian life follows everyday people from all walks of life as they navigate the cultural, religious, and institutional constraints imposed on them by various social authorities, from school teachers to bureaucrats. These stirring vignettes, humorous and affecting, capture the spirit and determination of people amidst adversity, offering a nuanced portrait of a complex society.
"Terrestrial Verses, one of the most brilliant and provocative films to emerge from Iran recently, has qualities that link it to both the modernist formal traditions of post-1979 Iranian cinema and the more recent trend of social and political asperities aimed at the authoritarian repressiveness of the Islamic Republic." —Godfrey Cheshire, RogerEbert.com
"Ordinary Iranians face a maze of byzantine rules and small indignities in this series of gripping vignettes." —Alissa Wilkinson, The New York Times
Coral Gables Art Cinema is excited to present a week-long series celebrating Iranian cinema's vibrant heritage, from June 14 to 20. This carefully curated selection features nine films that have left a mark on the global cinematic landscape, including A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, A Man of Integrity, A Separation, Far from Home, Leila, No Bears, Persepolis, Terrestrial Verses, and Where is the Friend’s House. This collection not only highlights Iranian filmmakers' enduring influence and importance but invites audiences to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Iran's cinematic artistry.