Films :: Programme 14 May - 1 June 2025 In Focus: Fatemeh Motamed-Arya
By ICA, London (The Institute of Contemporary Arts) May 14, 2024
“my generation and those like me do not accept the law of the past. We follow our own law. When we think about it, it means that cinema is still alive. We are now like fire under the ashes,” said Fatemeh Motamed-Arya, multi-award-winning Iranian actress who is in London to participate in the screening of her films, on Wednesday evening, May 14.
She made these comments in response to a question from BBC Persian who asked her if she was optimistic about Iranian cinema and how much hope she had for it?
She was also asked about the protests after the death of Mahsa Jina Amini. One of the questions was if she could go back in time, would she still support Iranian women? Fatemeh Motamed-Arya replied: “I have been fighting for forty-some years. I will be fighting for the rest of my life. Everywhere in the world, you have to fight to achieve your goals.”
In Focus: Fatemeh Motamed-Arya is a special programme of eight films celebrating the work of this celebrated Iranian film and theatre actress. Join us for our new In Focus season, spotlighting the extraordinary career of multi-award-winning Iranian actress, Fatemeh (Simin) Motamed-Arya.
Our In Focus programme celebrates her legacy, in particular her nuanced portrayals of complex, resilient women. We’re pleased to welcome Motamed-Arya for a rare in-person Q&A following our opening screening of Reyhaneh.
Motamed-Arya has also been a jury member at many prestigious film festivals in Iran, India, USA, Turkey, Tajikistan, Australia, Italy, Japan, Egypt and France.
From her teens onwards, she participated in theatre and puppet shows in Kanoon-e Parvaresh (Institute for the intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults), before graduating from the Tehran School of the Arts.
As one of the most significant actresses in post-revolutionary Iranian cinema, she has appeared in more than 60 features films and TV serials and won over 30 acting awards nationally and internationally, including the 2012 Henri Langlois award for her lifetime endeavours in promoting cinema. She has collaborated with directors such as Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Abbas Kiarostami, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Bahram Beyzai.
Whether she is playing a timid, provincial or rebellious woman, her powerful acting over a 40-year film career has always been convincing and moving; she has a special affinity for playing independent spirits.
Motamed-Arya has also been a jury member at many prestigious film festivals in Iran, India, USA, Turkey, Tajikistan, Australia, Italy, Japan, Egypt and France. She is held in very high regard by Iran’s arts community.
Off-screen and stage, she has played an active role in philanthropy, from securing life insurance for film workers to setting up charities for children with cancer, autism, or needing access to education.
Motamed-Aryahas been prohibited from leaving her country on several occasions. The most recent case was initiated after October 2022, at the height of the protests sparked by the death ofMahsa Jina Amini. She appeared in a social media video without a hijab, expressing her anger at the killing of protesters. Because she is currently not permitted to work within Iran, she is touring a theatre play around the world.
This programme is presented with the precious support of Rose Issa Projects.
Supported by Bagri Foundation
In Focus: Fatemeh Motamed-Arya is a special programme of eight films celebrating the work of Fatemeh Motamed-Arya:
Wednesday 14 May, 6.45pm Opening Night Reyhaneh + Q&A In post-war Iran, Reyhaneh seeks independence after leaving her husband, but faces family pressure, tradition, and looming financial hardship.
Thursday 15 May, 6.30pm Once Upon a Time, Cinema A playful, surreal journey through Iranian cinema’s early days, this film follows King Nasser edin Shah, who, enchanted by silent film Lor Girl, forsakes his throne to chase cinematic dreams.
Saturday 17 May, 12.30pm The Actor Akbar, a serious actor, is torn between art, commercial roles, and his wife's desperate wish for a child.
Saturday 17 May, 2.15pm Once Upon a Time in Abadan Amid Norouz celebrations, an Abadan family traumatised by war faces addiction, strained ties, and crisis after a mistaken U.S. bombing.
Wednesday 21 May, 8.50pm The Blue-Veiled Elderly farmer Rasul forms a bond with a young worker in this poignant tale of love, class, and convention.
Saturday 24 May, 6.30pm Gilaneh Set across two wars, this moving drama follows Gilaneh, a mother whose dreams are shattered as she cares for her war-scarred son and supports her daughter through love, loss, and resilience.
Wednesday 28 May, 6.30pm Here Without Me Inspired by Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, this poignant drama follows Farideh, a struggling mother in Tehran, trying to support her family and find hope for her fragile, dream-filled daughter, Yalda.
Friday 30 May, 6.30pm Avalanche Homa, the most accomplished nurse in the hospital is asked to care for the elderly mother of the owner of the hospital. The next ten days sees continuous snow fall, trapping both women but opening a host of unknown doors.
Sunday 1 June, 6.45pm African Violet Inspired by a true story, this touching film follows Shokoo as she brings her ailing ex-husband into her home, confronting love, memory, and forgiveness alongside her current husband, Reza.
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