Movies by Matin Ojani

Matin Ojani has emerged as one of the most provocative and visually captivating directors in contemporary Iranian cinema. With a keen eye for the nuances of social upheaval and the power dynamics that shape human behavior, Ojani's films offer a singular perspective on the complexities of the modern Middle East. His 2013 breakout, "Ye Ettefagh-e Sade" ("A Simple Coincidence"), is a subtle, slow-burning character study that delves into the stifling realities of life under authoritarian rule. Ojani's masterful use of negative space and languid pacing create an atmosphere of unease, as the film's protagonist navigates a maze of social conventions and political pressures. This approach has become a hallmark of Ojani's style, allowing him to explore universal themes of oppression and individual agency with a refined, almost documentary-like sensibility. More recently, Ojani has turned his attention to the transformative social and political upheavals of his homeland. His 2024 film "This Controllable Crowd" is a bold, visually striking exploration of the 2009 Iranian Green Movement, using a fragmented, nonlinear narrative to capture the energy and chaos of mass protest. And in his most recent work, "Iran 68" (2025), Ojani offers a sweeping, kaleidoscopic perspective on the tumultuous events of 1968, weaving together personal stories and archival footage to create a visceral, immersive portrait of a nation in flux. Through these films, Ojani has firmly established himself as a vital voice in world cinema, a director whose work challenges and illuminates our understanding of the contemporary Middle East.