Understanding one of the world's oldest civilizations can't be achieved through a single film or book. But recent works of literature, journalism, music and film by Iranians are a powerful starting point. Clockwise from top left: The Seed of the Sacred Fig, For The Sun After Long Nights, Cutting Through Rocks, It Was Just an Accident, Martyr!, and Kayhan Kalhor. (NEON; Pantheon; Gandom Films Production; NEON; Vintage; Julia Gunther for NPR)
This article was originally published on March 03, 2026.
