Iranian Leila Khatamiberlin winner for best actress for Asgar FarhadiThe Oscar winner “Separation” has called for a wider range of Iranian cinema to be represented internationally.

“Iran needs to show more diverse films internationally, because, as a rule, everything is commercial, people choose films that are more touristy. [because] it gives you an aspect of society, ”Khatami said Variety. “I would like the art of Iran to be more prominent because you see the facts, the events, the mood in Iran, but you see it everywhere. You can see it in the news. ”

“It’s good to have films about society’s problems and things like that, but I especially appreciate the art of Iranian cinema,” Khatami said. “What usually happens internationally, you don’t see the best in the country when you eat, for example, tourist plates, it’s not necessarily the best, it’s just famous.”

Khatami added that Iranian films that delve into the country and tell about people and emphasize the human aspect should become more widespread. The actor said that in addition to world-renowned authors of Iranian cinema, there are many more who are waiting to be discovered, but they lack exposure due to lack of international distribution.

“Distributors may be underestimating people. And they think they can’t feel it, can’t understand it. So they don’t expose it from the outside. And they are looking for light food – easily digestible food, and not very delicious, “- said Khatami.

However, Khatami declined to name Iranian filmmakers whose works she said should be presented internationally. “I don’t want to advertise it,” Khatami said. “But it’s not just Iran … we face the same obstacle everywhere. As a suggestion I can tell the distributors: let’s be bolder … introduce new things … take risks. Because people, what they love, is art, no matter where it comes from – something that touches you, in your heart. Everyone is looking for it to discover something from another’s heart, inside another person ”.

Khatami said she was not surprised when “Separation” won an Oscar, because she believed in the power of Iranian cinema. She has yet to watch Farhadi’s 2021 film “Hero”.

Khatami spoke with Variety in France Vezul The International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas in February, where she served as president of the international jury. She praises the impact of the festival, saying that “Asian cinema needs to be shown and be known all over the world.”

Next for Khatami is Aktai Baraheni’s film “Oldboy,” which she wrapped up. She is still working on the series Afshina Hashemi “Women’s Secret Network”, and also shoots commercials.

Nick Vivarelli contributed to this report.

Iranian Leila Khatamiberlin winner for best actress for Asgar FarhadiThe Oscar winner “Separation” has called for a wider range of Iranian cinema to be represented internationally.

“Iran needs to show more diverse films internationally, because, as a rule, everything is commercial, people choose films that are more touristy. [because] it gives you an aspect of society, ”Khatami said Variety. “I would like the art of Iran to be more prominent because you see the facts, the events, the mood in Iran, but you see it everywhere. You can see it in the news. ”

“It’s good to have films about society’s problems and things like that, but I especially appreciate the art of Iranian cinema,” Khatami said. “What usually happens internationally, you don’t see the best in the country when you eat, for example, tourist plates, it’s not necessarily the best, it’s just famous.”

Khatami added that Iranian films that delve into the country and tell about people and emphasize the human aspect should become more widespread. The actor said that in addition to world-renowned authors of Iranian cinema, there are many more who are waiting to be discovered, but they lack exposure due to lack of international distribution.

“Distributors may be underestimating people. And they think they can’t feel it, can’t understand it. So they don’t expose it from the outside. And they are looking for light food – easily digestible food, and not very delicious, “- said Khatami.

However, Khatami declined to name Iranian filmmakers whose works she said should be presented internationally. “I don’t want to advertise it,” Khatami said. “But it’s not just Iran … we face the same obstacle everywhere. As a suggestion I can tell the distributors: let’s be bolder … introduce new things … take risks. Because people, what they love, is art, no matter where it comes from – something that touches you, in your heart. Everyone is looking for it to discover something from another’s heart, inside another person ”.

Khatami said she was not surprised when “Separation” won an Oscar, because she believed in the power of Iranian cinema. She has yet to watch Farhadi’s 2021 film “Hero”.

Khatami spoke with Variety in France Vezul The International Film Festival of Asian Cinemas in February, where she served as president of the international jury. She praises the impact of the festival, saying that “Asian cinema needs to be shown and be known all over the world.”

Next for Khatami is Aktai Baraheni’s film “Oldboy,” which she wrapped up. She is still working on the series Afshina Hashemi “Women’s Secret Network”, and also shoots commercials.

Nick Vivarelli contributed to this report.