In the years since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has produced some of the most inventive and innovative films in the world. The success of directors such as Abbas Kiarostami, Mohsen and Samira Makhmalbaf has given cinema audiences a far more sophisticated insight into modern Iran than they would have if they only watched the television news. The critical acclaim accorded to Iranian cinema also raises intriguing questions, such as, how has a film industry been able to flourish in such a strictly Islamic state? And why is it only Iran where this is the case?

Iranian cinema stems from a particular cultural context that sets it apart from other Middle Eastern nations. Iranian films are part of a visual tradition that existed in Iran since before the arrival of Islam. This tradition was historically apparent in shrines to saints and in the striking architecture of mosques and it continues in cinema. Iranian films are also inspired by the nation’s poetic tradition. Where western cinema is essentially novelistic and driven by narrative, Iranian films tend to stress the potency of specific moments and emotions rather than follow classical narrative structures. The emphasis on poetic imagery and symbolism became increasingly necessary following the 1979 Islamic revolution. With the toppling of the Shah and the return from exile of the Ayatollah Khomeini, filmmakers found themselves facing heavy restrictions. Directors were not permitted to show men looking lustfully at women. Even showing a close-up of a female face was banned. Since men and women could not appear on screen together unless they were married, actors and actresses were sometimes forced to marry in real life so that they could act together on screen.

This strict censorship forced filmmakers to be more creative in how they made films. There was much oblique hinting of issues through symbolism. The themes of films were also affected by the restrictions. Unable to tackle love and sexual relationships, directors focused instead on social issues such as friendship and community.