Film & Discussion: A Separation (Iran, 2011)

What can a film tell us about a society beyond the headlines? Join us for a screening of Asghar Farhadi’s Academy Award-winning film, A Separation (Iran, 2011), followed by a discussion facilitated by Mehdi Faraji, PhD. Through the story of a marriage in crisis and the unexpected consequences that follow, A Separation offers a compelling window into family life, class, gender, religion, caregiving, and moral responsibility in contemporary Iran. The film also raises questions that reach far beyond Iran, to how ordinary people navigate competing obligations to family, work, truth, and one another. (See film preview here.)

Following the screening, Mehdi will lead an informal conversation exploring the film's social and cultural context, its portrayal of everyday life in Iran, and experiences that may feel both culturally specific and surprisingly familiar. No previous knowledge of Iran or Iranian cinema is needed.

Event schedule

6pm:       Doors open. Concessions available for purchase!
6:15pm:   Screening begins
8:15pm:   Screening ends and discussion begins
8:45pm:  End of event

Ages 16+ welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Mehdi Faraji
Mehdi Faraji

Instructor

Mehdi Faraji has taught courses on Middle Eastern societies, cultures, politics, and cinema at several universities. He holds a PhD in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from New York University. Originally from Iran, he brings both academic expertise and personal cultural experience to his teaching. He is particularly interested in using film to explore everyday life, social relationships, and cultural diversity, encouraging audiences to look beyond familiar stereotypes and discover both the differences and shared human experiences that connect people across cultures.