Iranian cinematic portrayals of Palestinian resistance

Iranian cinema has a rich history of exploring the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli regime through various impactful films. These cinematic creations shed light on the historical significance of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the human experiences intertwined with it.

.

‘Lead’ (1988)

‘Lead’, directed by Masoud Kimiaee, was one of the earliest films to touch upon the Palestinian issue. 

Kimiaee was a pioneer in addressing the Palestinian issue and used the backdrop of Iranian Jews' migration to Israel in 1951 as the foundation for his film.

‘Hidden Fire’ (1990)

Following ‘Lead’, Habibollah Kavosh directed ‘Hidden Fire’, portraying the complex relationship between Israel and Palestinian fighters. The story unfolds with disclosure of the main identity of terrorists, two Palestinian fighters destroy the headquarters of the Israeli forces in a martyrdom operation.

‘The Survivor’ (1994)

Another noteworthy film is 'The Survivor’ by Seifollah Daad, which focuses on the occupation of Palestine by the Zionists in 1948. It is considered a significant work in this conflict, filmed in Syria with Arabic-speaking actors, and based on the story "Return to Haifa" by Palestinian writer Ghassan Kanafani.

‘Saturday Hunter’ (2010)

‘Saturday Hunter’ by Parviz Sheikh Tadi explores a unique perspective, depicting Jews seeking God-like powers while massacring Arabs. This thought-provoking film was nominated in the 28th Fajr International Film Festival.

‘Zahra's Blue Eyes’ (2002)

‘Zahra's Blue Eyes’ narrates the crimes of the Zionist regime and the suffering of Palestinians in a humane narrative. It revolves around an Israeli medical team searching in Palestinian camps for a child to transplant his eyes instead of the child of an Israeli official, symbolically representing the creation of Israel.

‘Vafa’ (2006)

‘Vafa’, an Iranian romantic spy TV series directed by Mohammad-Hossein Latifi, explores Israeli espionage and love. The protagonist, Joobin, gets entangled in a spying game while attempting to reunite with his beloved in Lebanon, Vafa.

‘The Invaders’ (2009)

Abbas Rafei's ‘The Invaders’ delves into the displacement and oppression of the Palestinian people, telling the story of a failed love in Palestine, reignited after many decades.

‘Hiyam’ (2003)

‘Hiyam’ by Mohammad Dormanesh portrays the love of homeland and resistance against Israel.

The film follows Hassan, who returns to Jenin camp in occupied Palestine to marry his beloved Hiyam, despite the ongoing Israeli attacks. Their decision to stay with Palestinian revolutionary Daei Mahmoud underscores their commitment to their homeland.

‘Canary’ (2002)

‘Canary’, directed by Javad Ardakani, tells the story of a young Palestinian boy who receives a canary as a gift and seeks a peaceful environment for it amidst the turmoil of Palestinian occupation by Zionism.

‘The Olive Wound’ (2003)

‘The Olive Wound’ by Mohammed-Reza Ahanj explores the transformation of a man forced to participate in the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation. This film delves into the complex dynamics of the conflict and its impact on individuals.

These Iranian films have not only contributed to the cinematic landscape but have also offered diverse perspectives on the Palestinian occupation by the Zionist regime, highlighting the enduring significance of this historic event.

 MM/FM