Asghar Farhadi: Interviews

Asghar Farhadi is an Iranian director who has become one of the most prominent filmmakers of his generation, winning two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film in five years. This volume offers a unique perspective into his career, charting his rise from theater student to Iranian dramatist to celebrated international filmmaker. He is feted and under fire by his own government for his controversial statements on topics such as Donald Trump, poverty, and capital punishment in Iran.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2022
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi

Iranian filmmaker

Asghar Farhadi, born in 1972, has achieved remarkable success in the film industry, winning two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film in just five years. Since the late Abbas Kiarostami, Farhadi has emerged as Iran's most prominent director, gaining recognition worldwide, particularly in the international festival circuit. His work is highly regarded as one of the greatest dramatist filmmakers of his generation. While his reputation and influence in his home country are significant, they are also subject to misunderstandings, controversies, and divided critical reception.

This comprehensive volume provides a unique insight into Farhadi's career, encompassing his early work in television and his ascent to becoming an Iranian dramatist and celebrated international filmmaker. The interviews collected here, conducted primarily in Persian and translated into English for the first time, chart his journey from a theater student to a prominent figure in the film industry.

Throughout his career, Farhadi has become a symbol of hope for Iran. His Oscar wins in 2012 and 2016 sparked unprecedented celebrations among Iranians, who flooded the streets in a rare and illegal display of joy. However, Farhadi, like other contemporary Iranian filmmakers, faces challenges in reconciling his national identity with his global reputation as an international filmmaker.

Despite facing criticism and restrictions from his own government, Farhadi has not shied away from expressing his views on various social and political issues. He has used his celebrity status to make controversial statements on topics such as Donald Trump, poverty, and capital punishment in Iran. His advocacy for the release of Jafar Panahi, the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker who was sentenced to a prison term and a ban on filmmaking, even led to the temporary withdrawal of permission to shoot his renowned 2011 film "A Separation."

Asghar Farhadi: Interviews delves into the critical dimensions that define contemporary Iranian filmmaking and sheds light on Farhadi's perspective on his role and responsibilities as an Iranian filmmaker. The interviews offer a deep understanding of his creative process, his approach to storytelling, and his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities faced by filmmakers in Iran.

Farhadi's work is characterized by its nuanced portrayal of Iranian society. He often explores themes of family, social inequality, and the complexities of human relationships, reflecting the social and cultural context of Iran. His films have received critical acclaim for their emotional depth, compelling narratives, and the performances of his talented cast.

In conclusion, Asghar Farhadi: Interviews is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the career of a remarkable filmmaker. Through the interviews collected here, readers gain a unique perspective into Farhadi's journey, his creative process, and his contributions to contemporary Iranian cinema. Farhadi's work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and his advocacy for social justice and human rights continues to inspire and challenge filmmakers and audiences alike.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496841063