23rd Annual Iranian Film Festival

poster 23rd Iran Film Festival

This year marks the 23rd Annual Iranian Film Festival hosted by the American Film Institute (AFI) Silver Theater and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, and co-presented by the Smithsonian Freer-Sackler museums of Asian Art in Washington, D.C.

The Festival begins in mid-January and lasts through February. These premier foreign films offer an introspective political and cultural commentary of life in modern-day Iran. Cultural series are designed to enhance viewers’ knowledge and understanding on shared contemporary history whether it is the impact of social media, explorations of family life, cultural forces, or the forces of nature.

Film descriptions and showtimes at the Freer-Sackler Galleries of Art are listed under Events/films. All screenings are free but subject to cancellation. View past films and trailers by using the top left listings arrow. Future listings include a variety of exotic or award-winning films from around the world such as from the Far East.

Promotional Poster Iran FF 23

Promotional from AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center/Smithsonian Galleries of Art

At the AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center, the Iranian Film Festival lasts from January 29 – February 26, 2019. This year’s movies include: Sly by Kamal Tabrizi, A Man of Integrity by Mohammed Rasoulof (watch the trailer), 3 Faces by Jafar Panahi, The Graveless by Mostafa Sayari (watch the trailer), and Pig by Mani Haghighi (watch the trailer). (Films contain English subtitles or are replete with cinematic story-telling.)

The AFI Silver Theater operates by public-private partnership which draws various artists, lecturers, and filmmakers from around the world. Like E Street Cinema in Washington, D.C., the thematic programs are unique in including independent features, foreign films, documentaries and classic cinema. There are special live interviews with film producers, actors, and screenwriters, as well as musical performances.

Upcoming series include the 15th annual New African Film Festival taking place between March 7 -17th.

15th annual New Africa Festival

AFI Silver – 15th Annual New African Film festival, Mar 7-17th