Movies by Negar Azarbayjani

Negar Azarbayjani is an Iranian filmmaker whose lyrical, character-driven dramas have established her as a distinctive voice in world cinema. Azarbayjani's films often explore themes of identity, gender, and social marginalization, drawing on her own experiences as a woman navigating the complexities of modern Iranian society. Her 2012 feature Facing Mirrors is a poignant tale of an unlikely friendship that blossoms between a transgender man and a conservative upper-class woman. Through their evolving relationship, Azarbayjani crafts a nuanced portrait of the challenges facing LGBTQ individuals in Iran, challenging societal norms with empathy and sensitivity. The film's naturalistic style and complex, fully-realized characters have earned it critical acclaim and multiple festival awards. In her more recent work, such as the 2017 drama The Narcissus Season, Azarbayjani has continued to demonstrate a keen eye for visual poetry and an ability to find the universal in the specific. This film follows a young woman navigating the complexities of her familial relationships, imbuing the everyday with a sense of quiet grace. Azarbayjani's assured direction and attention to emotional detail have cemented her reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle bold, socially-conscious themes with a delicate, humanistic touch.