March 10, 2022 – 13:45
Written by: Hadiseh La’ali
In this article from Figar, we’re diving into the world of documentaries to introduce you to some of the best Iranian documentaries. Join us as we explore this captivating genre.
You might think that documentaries only appeal to the older generation, like our grandparents, but that’s not the case. Documentaries, except for those with distressing content not suitable for all ages, generally have no age restrictions.
This means that if you don’t enjoy watching documentaries, it might just be because you haven’t come across the right ones yet. To connect better with this genre, we recommend checking out the top documentaries as rated by the public and critics, available on Figar’s website or other online platforms.
If you’re not interested in foreign documentaries or have seen enough of them and are now seeking the best homegrown content, stay with us until the end of this article. We will provide you with a list of the top Iranian documentaries.
A Glimpse at the Top Iranian Documentaries:
- Khatemeh
- Asho
- In the Neighborhood of the Moon
- Isatis
- Lost Whispers in the Distance
- Gharshlagh
- Where the Wind Blows
- Bazk
- Ten Brothers
- Raphael
- Time
- Anthrax
- Cry in the Wind
- No Place for Angels
- Ten
- The House is Black
- The Suspects of the 20th Circle
Before we dive in, let’s clarify what documentaries are. As the name suggests, documentaries are moving images created based on factual evidence, not inspired or adapted from fiction, but rather presenting a slice of reality itself. Many documentaries are produced and screened every year, gaining a substantial following due to their reflection of real life.
Documentaries come in various styles, including romantic, newsreel, realism, propaganda, hybrid films, modern documentaries, and wildlife. With such diversity, documentaries appeal to a broad audience across different demographics.
Let’s delve into some of the best Iranian documentaries from recent years, including the top documentaries from 2021.
Khatemeh (The Zarei Brothers)
“Khatemeh,” directed and written by Mehdi and Hadi Zarei, is the first on Figar’s list of the best Iranian documentaries. Produced in 2019, this 89-minute documentary took the Zarei brothers three years to complete. It was worth the wait, earning 12 nominations at various festivals, and winning 2 awards for Best Director and Best Editing at the Cinéma Vérité Festival in Tehran, as well as 1 award for Best Documentary Film at the Florence Film Festival.
The story revolves around a young Afghan girl forced into an early marriage due to family pressures. Unable to bear the harsh treatment from her family, she decides to flee and seeks help from the social emergency services in Shiraz. However, the story doesn’t end there. After her family pursues her, her brother forces her to return home under threats. To avoid being sent back to Afghanistan, she gives up her request for a divorce, marking the beginning of a challenging journey.
Asho (Jafar Najafi)
“Asho,” the second documentary we explore, is directed by Jafar Najafi and has won numerous prestigious awards, including those from DocuMenta and Amsterdam. The film tells the story of a young shepherd boy with dreams of becoming an actor. The highlight of the film is the discovery of Asho’s unique personality, which Najafi masterfully portrays.
In the Neighborhood of the Moon (Reza Farahmand)
Directed by Reza Farahmand, “In the Neighborhood of the Moon” was unveiled at the 2021 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival. The film captures the daily lives of a war-torn family in a hospital in Aleppo, focusing on a teenage nurse named Julie.
Isatis (Alireza Dehghan)
This 2019 production by Alireza Dehghan is among the best Iranian documentaries of 2021, though it is yet to be released. “Isatis” narrates the story of hands that transform worthless soil into something as valuable as alchemy, showcasing the ancient city that has endured for centuries like a jewel in the desert.
Lost Whispers in the Distance (Mansour Forouzesh)
The fifth entry on our list, “Whispers Lost in the Distance,” is directed by Mansour Forouzesh. This 60-minute documentary explores the situation of Iranian and Afghan refugees in Serbian camps.
Gharshlagh (Reza Gholami Motlagh)
Directed by Reza Gholami Motlagh, “Gharshlagh” examines an ancient Turkmen tradition that, unfortunately, still persists and has devastated many lives. The film presents a clear picture of this destructive custom and its impact on society.
Where the Wind Blows (Mina Mashhadi Mahdi)
This documentary by Mina Mashhadi Mahdi tells the story of photos, letters, and memories from a once-thriving village that was abandoned due to drought. It captures the lives of those who were forced to migrate.
Bazk (Shiva Sanjari)
Directed by Shiva Sanjari, “Bazk” follows the life of a young woman working as a hairdresser. Through her conversations with clients, the film reveals the struggles of women in society, highlighting the injustices they face.
Ten Brothers (Mohsen Alidadi)
In “Ten Brothers,” directed by Mohsen Alidadi, the filmmaker documents the lives of ten brothers, seven of whom are struggling with addiction. The film follows one of the brothers who attempts to rescue the others from their dire situation.
Raphael (Rashad Moradi Balf)
“Raphael,” directed by Rashad Moradi Balf, tells the story of a sunken ship in the Persian Gulf that has become one of the largest artificial marine habitats. The ship, once a luxurious vessel with nine floors and six swimming pools, is now home to a vast array of marine life.
Time (Maria Mauti)
“Time” is the story of a man who, after migrating to Turkey with his family and seeking asylum there, plans to move to Canada. However, unforeseen events force him to separate from his family, altering his path.
Anthrax (Sajjad Imani)
This 60-minute documentary by Sajjad Imani follows several young men who see life beyond their homeland’s borders. In desperate need of money to leave, they stage accidents to collect insurance payouts, risking everything to achieve their dreams.
Cry in the Wind (Siavash Jamali, Atta Mehrad)
“Cry in the Wind” chronicles the journey of 17-year-old Meysam, who dreams of becoming a singer. The documentary showcases his determination to overcome obstacles like family opposition and lack of resources in his neighborhood.
No Place for Angels (Sam Kalantari)
“No Place for Angels” by Sam Kalantari tells the story of the formation of the Iranian women’s national hockey team. It highlights the struggles and determination of these athletes, making it a compelling documentary.
Ten (Abbas Kiarostami)
This 60-minute documentary, narrated by Abbas Kiarostami himself, offers insights into the world of filmmaking as he drives and reflects on his experiences. It’s a must-watch for those interested in film and filmmaking.
The House is Black (Forough Farrokhzad)
An iconic documentary by Forough Farrokhzad, “The House is Black” is a poignant portrayal of the lives of leprosy patients in a leper colony near Tabriz. The film, which has won numerous awards, powerfully conveys the isolation and suffering of these individuals.
The Suspects of the 20th Circle (Hesam Eslami)
One of the best Iranian documentaries, “The Suspects of the 20th Circle” follows a group of young thieves as the filmmaker secretly captures their operations. The film takes you from the moment they meet to the theft itself, and eventually to the arrest and aftermath of their actions.