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Embark on a cinematic journey through the Iranian New Wave, a revolutionary movement that transformed Iranian cinema and captivated global audiences. In this episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson welcomes Kaveh Askari, associate professor and director of the Film Studies Program at Michigan State University, to explore this groundbreaking era of filmmaking.
The Evolution of Iranian New Wave Cinema
From its roots in the 1960s through the post-revolution era, the Iranian New Wave challenged traditional storytelling while focusing on the lives of ordinary people. Through a combination of realism, social commentary, and artistic innovation, these films created a unique cinematic language that resonated worldwide. The movement bridged pre- and post-revolution Iran, adapting to changing social landscapes while maintaining its distinctive artistic vision.
Five Essential Iranian New Wave Films
The conversation explores five significant works: The House is Black (1962), The Brick and the Mirror (1965), The Cow (1969), Taste of Cherry (1997), and At Five in the Afternoon (2003). Each film demonstrates different aspects of the movement, from poetic documentaries to neorealist dramas and meta-cinematic explorations. Members can enjoy an extended discussion of five additional films: Bashu, the Little Stranger (1989); A Moment of Innocence (1996); Children of Heaven (1997); Tales (2014); and Taxi (2015).
Legacy and Preservation
The Iranian New Wave presents unique challenges in preservation and accessibility today. However, the movement's emphasis on authentic storytelling, visual poetry, and social consciousness has secured its place in cinema history. Through careful analysis of these groundbreaking films, we discover how Iranian New Wave cinema revolutionized not just Iranian filmmaking, but the global art house scene as well.
Join us for this fascinating exploration of one of cinema's most influential movements, and discover how these pioneering filmmakers found beauty and meaning in the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Film Sundries

• Watch our conversation on YouTube!
• Check out Kaveh Askari’s books:
• • Relaying Cinema in Midcentury Iran
  • Making Movies Into Art
• Recommended and Discussed Movies
• • The House Is Black on JustWatch
  • The Brick and the Mirror on JustWatch
  • The Cow on YouTube and JustWatch
  • Bashu, the Little Stranger on YouTube and Amazon
  • Taste of Cherry on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • A Moment of Innocence on YouTube, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Children of Heaven on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • At Five in the Afternoon on Amazon and YouTube
  • Tales on JustWatch
  • Taxi on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
• Our Letterboxd List