Shot in the spring of 1979, shortly after the Shah’s overthrow, this remarkable film acts like a psychological test for those in a revolutionary mindset. Abbas Kiarostami presents two versions of a classroom-discipline scenario—one where a student reports a troublemaker and another where seven students refuse to snitch. The film then captures comments from adult authorities on the two scenarios, revealing intriguing political and social worldviews in one of the most troubled times of Iranian contemporary history.

A work of sharp political insight, FIRST CASE, SECOND CASE explores the nuanced contradictions of the Iranian Revolution.

The screening will be presented by Mohammad-Ali Talebi, the renowned Iranian filmmaker who collaborated extensively in the making of this film with Kiarostami.

َA revered Iranian filmmaker born in Tehran in 1940, Abbas Kiarostami holds a significant place in global cinema. Known for his poetic masterpieces, Kiarostami delved into profound existential examinations that transcended boundaries of cinema. Beginning his career with short films, he gained international recognition with works like THE REPORT, FIRST CASE, SECOND CASE, THE TRAVELER and the acclaimed KOKER TRILOGY. The ’90s solidified his status with films like CLOSE-UP and THE WIND WILL CARRY US. Kiarostami’s impact on cinema continued with films like CERTIFIED COPY. His death in 2016 marked the loss of a cinema icon, leaving behind a legacy of timeless and poetic filmmaking.