A Separation
Leila Hatami, Payman Maadi, Shahab Hosseini
A married couple are faced with a difficult decision - to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease.
Why you'll love it
An Iranian drama that explores the complexities of family, marriage, and social issues in contemporary Iran.
Persepolis
Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands
A precocious and outspoken Iranian girl grows up during the Islamic Revolution.
Why you'll love it
An animated film that tells the story of a young girl growing up during the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
The Breadwinner
Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Noorin Gulamgaus
In 2001, Afghanistan is under the control of the Taliban. When her father is captured, a determined young girl disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family.
Why you'll love it
An animated film about a young Afghan girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her family under Taliban rule.
The Kite Runner
Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, Atossa Leoni
Amir lives in California with his wife Soraya. He receives a call from his uncle Rahim Khan who urges him to travel to Afghanistan and rescue the son of Amir's childhood servant and friend, Hassan.
Why you'll love it
A powerful story of friendship and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history.
Wadjda
Waad Mohammed, Reem Abdullah, Abdullrahman Al Gohani
An enterprising Saudi girl signs on for her school's Koran recitation competition as a way to raise the remaining funds she needs in order to buy the green bicycle that has captured her interest.
Why you'll love it
A groundbreaking film about a young girl in Saudi Arabia who dreams of owning a bicycle, challenging societal norms.