Asghar Farhadi

Asghar Farhadi (Persian: اصغر فرهادی, [æsˈɢæɾ ɛ fæɾhɑːˈdiː]; born 7 May 1972) is a notable figure in the world of film, celebrated as an Iranian film director and screenwriter. Recognized as a leading voice in Iranian cinema and a significant influence on 21st-century cinema, Farhadi's films are known for their exploration of the human condition, often featuring intricate and emotionally-charged narratives revolving around familial conflicts. Farhadi's work has garnered international recognition. In 2012, he was named in Time's 100 list, acknowledging his impact on global cinema. He also received France's Legion of Honour in the same year. His debut directorial venture was with the film Dancing in the Dust (2003), while his breakthrough came from his works About Elly (2009), A Separation (2011), and The Salesman (2016), making Farhadi one of the few directors globally to have won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film twice. His films like The Past (2013) and Everybody Knows (2018) have further established him as an eminent figure in global cinema. He returned to Iran with A Hero (2021), winning the Cannes Film Festival's Grand Prix. Known for his intricate depiction of societal structures in Iran and the application of cultural norms in his narratives, Farhadi's works offer a comprehensive perspective on Iranian society and its dynamics. Although his films often subtly critique the divisions in Iranian society along class, gender, and religious lines, they are embedded deeply in Iran's social fabric. He has faced accusations of plagiarism for his film A Hero but was acquitted by an Iranian court.