· movies · 14 min read
All 32 Jafar Panahi Movies (in Order)
Get ready to dive into the world of Jafar Panahi Movies! This roundup article will take you on a journey through the remarkable filmography of this acclaimed Iranian filmmaker. Discover his unique storytelling style, explore his most notable films, and learn what makes Jafar Panahi’s movies a must-watch for movie enthusiasts.
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1. The Fish (1989)
The Fish” is a compelling tale about love, family, and the strength of a bond between a father and his young son, set against the backdrop of Iran’s rich cultural traditions. When Javad’s father is imprisoned, he discovers a unique way to connect with his son - through the purchase of a captivating goldfish.
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2. Through the Olive Trees (1994)
Through the Olive Trees”, a 1994 Iranian drama film directed by Abbas Kiarostami, takes its inspiration from the off-screen relationship between the actors who portrayed the newlyweds in the 1992 film, “And Life Goes On”. Set in an idyllic rural area, the movie follows the life of an Asian family, with particular focus on their journey to the olive trees. “Through the Olive Trees” stands out among its many Iranian counterparts, garnering critical acclaim and winning five awards and six nominations.
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3. The White Balloon (1995)
The White Balloon is a heartwarming drama that takes us on a journey through the streets of Iran on New Year’s Day. Directed by Jafar Panahi and written by Abbas Kiarostami, Parviz Shahbazi, and Jafar Panahi, this film follows a little girl named Razieh as she tries to find the money her mother gave her to buy a goldfish. Along the way, we meet a shopkeeper, a snake charmer, and other colorful characters who each play a unique role in helping Razieh on her quest.
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4. Traveler from the South (1997)
Traveler from the South” is a heartwarming and poignant drama that transports viewers to a different world. The movie follows Reza, a young Iranian boy on the cusp of teenhood, as he takes an overnight train from the southern parts of the country to visit his aunt in Tehran during a public holiday.
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5. The Mirror (1997)
The Mirror, originally titled Ayneh, is a captivating 1997 Iranian drama film directed and written by Jafar Panahi. The movie follows a young girl who gets lost in the fast-paced environment of Tehran, leading her on an enlightening journey about the essence of film.
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6. The Circle (2000)
The Circle” is a powerful and captivating drama that delves into the lives of women living in contemporary Iran as they struggle to make their voices heard in society. Directed by Jafar Panahi and written by Kambuzia Partovi and Jafar Panahi, the film sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women in this society.
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7. Friendly Persuasion: Iranian Cinema After the 1979 Revolution (2000)
Friendly Persuasion: Iranian Cinema After the 1979 Revolution” is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the profound impact of the Iranian Revolution on the nation’s film industry. Directed by Jamsheed Akrami and released in 2001, this film delves into the lives and works of some of Iran’s most celebrated filmmakers, providing an intriguing glimpse into the country’s post-revolutionary era through a series of insightful interviews and compelling clips from their acclaimed films. A timely portrayal of artistic resilience and adaptability in the face of political adversity, this documentary offers a wealth of cultural insights and serves as an essential addition to any cinephile’s collection.
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8. Crimson Gold (2003)
Crimson Gold, ” also known as “Talaye Sorkh, ” is a visceral and thought-provoking 2003 Iranian film directed by Jafar Panahi. The movie centers on an Iranian pizza delivery man who witnesses the devastating impact of corruption and social inequality in his city. Driven to a life of crime as a desperate bid to counteract the rampant injustice around him, he finds himself enmeshed in the very darkness he sought to avoid.
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9. Friday’s Soldiers (2004)
Friday’s Soldiers, also known as Sarbaz-haye jome, takes you on a journey through the lives of four soldiers who find themselves in the midst of a fateful Friday. Under the watchful eye of their commander, they head to the city, unaware of the trials and tribulations that await them.
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10. Verdict (2005)
Verdict, ” also known as “Hokm, ” is a gripping crime drama from Iran, released in 2005. Directed by Masud Kimiai and starring Ezzatolah Entezami, Khosro Shakibai, and Leila Hatami, the film tells a tale of betrayal, danger, and shifting loyalties when a trio of criminals find themselves entangled in a web of lies and deception.
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11. Border Café (2005)
In the heart of the borderlands, a spirited widow challenges tradition as she takes the reins of her late husband’s truck stop café in the engrossing drama “Border Café. ” Despite the looming presence of her domineering brother-in-law, the heroine refuses to bend, fiercely guarding her independence and the future of her beloved café. Embodying love, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit, “Border Café” is a poignant romantically-infused tale not to be missed.
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12. Offside (2006)
Offside” (2006) is a riveting drama-comedy film that explores the challenges and struggles faced by women in Iranian society. Directed by Jafar Panahi with screenplay by Jafar Panahi and Shadmehr Rastin, the film focuses on a group of teenage girls who disguise themselves as men to attend a soccer game. As they navigate their way into the stadium, they encounter unexpected obstacles and forge a bond that transcends gender barriers.
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13. L’Iran: une révolution cinématographique (2006)
L’Iran: une révolution cinématographique, ” is a documentary providing an in-depth exploration of Iranian cinema and its profound impact on the nation’s culture and society. The film offers an enriching portrait of the development of Iranian film industry, tracing its evolution from its humble beginnings to its current globally celebrated status. The documentary delves into the intricate relationship between Iran’s tumultuous political landscape and the art of cinema.
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14. Persian Carpet (2007)
Persian Carpet” is an extraordinary documentary film brought to life by 15 acclaimed Iranian directors, all collaborating to create an omnibus masterpiece. The film explores the rich cultural and historical identity of Iran through its stunning carpets.
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15. Crítico (2008)
Crítico is a captivating 2008 documentary directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho that delves into the relationship between film artists and critics. Over 70 critics and filmmakers from Brazil, the USA, and Europe explore the age-old conflict between the artist and the observer, touching on the role of the critic in shaping and influencing the creative process.
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16. The White Meadows (2009)
In the hauntingly beautiful Iranian drama “The White Meadows” (2009), director Mohammad Rasoulof crafts a mesmerizing and deeply moving tale of grief, superstition, and death. Set on a series of isolated islands, the film follows Rahmat, a humble figure tasked with collecting the tears of the inhabitants for an unknown purpose.
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17. The Orion (2010)
The Orion” is a compelling film based on the challenges faced by a group of old friends trying to overcome societal norms. Set in Iran, the drama follows astronomer Amir, filmmaker Mehdi, and doctor Rezaei as they come together to help Elham, Amir’s girlfriend.
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18. Mourning (2011)
Mourning, ” an Iranian drama film, delves into the dark corners of human despair and the dire consequences of one’s actions. Directed by Morteza Farshbaf and co-written by him alongside Anahita Ghazvinizadeh, it tells the tale of a couple locked in a heated quarrel at midnight.
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19. This Is Not a Film (2011)
This Is Not a Film” is a powerful documentary that delves into the world of artistic creation in contemporary Iranian cinema. Directed by Mojtaba Mirtahmasb and Jafar Panahi, the film vividly portrays the life of Jafar Panahi, the celebrated Iranian filmmaker, who’s been imprisoned for months, awaiting a verdict from the appeals court. By capturing a day in Panahi’s life, the filmmakers attempt to shed light on the deprivations faced by Iranian filmmakers in a country where freedom of expression is heavily restricted.
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20. Closed Curtain (2013)
Closed Curtain” is a gripping drama film set in a serene house by the sea, where a reclusive screenwriter seeks solace in the company of his beloved dog. His tranquil retreat is disrupted by the sudden arrival of a young woman on the run from the law.
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21. A Cinema of Discontent (2013)
A Cinema of Discontent is a gripping documentary that exposes the challenges faced by Iranian filmmakers. The movie dives deep into the harsh circumstances under which Iranian cinema flourishes, revealing tight government controls and strict censorship codes that often lead to criticism of the regime or restrictive codes on representation.
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22. Taxi (2015)
Taxi” is an unconventional documentary that pushes the boundaries of filmmaking. Directed by the renowned Jafar Panahi, who was banned from making movies by the Iranian government, this pseudo documentary follows him as he poses as a taxi driver in Tehran. Through his on-the-job encounters, we get an intimate look at the social challenges Iranians face on a daily basis.
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23. 3 Faces (2018)
3 Faces” is a captivating drama that delves into the lives of three actresses at different stages of their career. The film, directed by Jafar Panahi, takes a unique approach to storytelling and features an all-Iranian cast.
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24. Nasrin (2020)
Nasrin” is an inspiring documentary that provides an intimate look into the life of one of the world’s most courageous human rights activists and political prisoners, Nasrin Sotoudeh. Set against the backdrop of Iran’s striking women’s rights movement, this film offers a powerful and unforgettable portrait of Sotoudeh’s journey to advocate for justice and equality.
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25. Celles qui chantent (2020)
Celles qui chantent, ” translated to “Those Who Sing, ” is a French documentary film that delves into the world of opera and the lives of those who are devoted to this form of artistic expression. The creators, Julie Deliquet, Sergey Loznitsa, and Karim Moussaoui, give us an introspective look into the lives of opera singers, orchestras, and staff members who keep the curtain rolling.
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26. The Alien (2020)
In the small, seemingly ordinary town of Iran, a mysterious car and its two enigmatic occupants park daily at the same location for hours. Amidst the locals’ growing paranoia, the authorities begin suspecting the strangers to be a part of the national security. As the tension mounts, the townspeople are forced to confront their fears and prejudices about their unknown neighbors.
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27. The Year of the Everlasting Storm (2021)
The Year of the Everlasting Storm” is a heartfelt anthology film that brings together seven extraordinary stories from acclaimed international filmmakers, set against the backdrop of the unprecedented global pandemic. This profoundly moving cinematic experience pays homage to the power of storytelling and the resilience of humanity in the face of adversity.
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28. Hit the Road (2021)
Hit the Road” is a captivating, quirky road trip movie that takes audiences on a heartwarming journey with a lively, yet imperfect family. Directed by Panah Panahi, the film follows a group of family members as they embark on a chaotic yet tender road trip across a rugged and unforgiving landscape.
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29. Jiseok (2022)
Jiseok, a captivating documentary released in 2022, is a poignant tribute to Kim Ji-seok, a legendary figure in Asian cinema. The film delves into the life and achievements of this visionary co-founder and director of the renowned Busan International Film Festival. Through in-depth interviews and footage, Jiseok offers a rare glimpse into Ji-seok’s immense contribution to the world of cinema.
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30. No Bears (2022)
No Bears, ” directed by Jafar Panahi, masterfully weaves together two mesmerizing love stories that are hindered by unseen, unavoidable obstacles. Phenomenal performances from Jafar Panahi, Vahid Mobasseri, and Bakhtiyar Panjeei bring depth and emotion to the tales that delve into the heart of love and how it can be affected by forces such as superstition and power. The film’s philosophical conversations and self-awareness are a testament to Panahi’s exceptional storytelling skills.
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31. No End (2022)
In the captivating 2022 film “No End, ” Ayaz, an ordinary man from Iran, is grappling with a problem that threatens his dreams of owning his own home. His brother-in-law, who had left the country due to his anti-government activities, could be on the verge of returning, prompting Ayaz to tell a small lie to the secret police - that they had searched his home. As Ayaz fervently hopes that this lie will convince his brother-in-law to stay away, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger.
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32. And, Towards Happy Alleys (2023)
And, Towards Happy Alleys” is an enlightening documentary that sheds light on the vibrant cinema and poetry scene in Iran, while also offering a candid view of the challenges faced by critics of the regime. Directed by Sreemoyee Singh and written by Singh alongside Mina Mohammad Khani and Aida Mohammadkhani, the film delves into the daily struggles of Iranian women against their oppression. Starring Jafar Panahi, this compelling documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities and beauty of Iranian culture.
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