Impact of War in Iran Set to Feature in Two Venice Film Festival Dramas

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Published: 2026-09-05T05:05:14.371Z • Permanent link

Renowned Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami passed away in 1997, but his influence on the global cinematic landscape persists. His 1992 film "Close-Up" - a critically acclaimed drama exploring the intersection of truth and deception - is set to be re-examined in light of recent events in Iran. This month's Venice Film Festival is expected to feature two films that tackle the complexities of war in Iran, sparking renewed interest in the cultural and social implications of the ongoing conflict.

Tensions in Iran have been escalating since the US drone strike that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. The aftermath of the strike saw widespread protests across the country, with demonstrators demanding an end to US interference in Iranian affairs. The Iranian government has since taken steps to increase its military presence along its borders, including the deployment of additional troops to the country's southwestern region. According to data from the United Nations, over 400,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, with many more feared to be trapped in the midst of the fighting.

Institutional observers have long warned of the devastating impact of war on Iranian society. The country's fragile economy, which has been struggling to recover from years of US-imposed sanctions, is already showing signs of strain. Iran's central bank has reported a significant decline in foreign exchange reserves, with the value of the rial plummeting against the US dollar in recent months. The war has also led to a sharp increase in food prices, with many Iranians struggling to access basic necessities due to the ongoing conflict.

The impact of the war in Iran on the global cultural landscape cannot be overstated. The country's rich cinematic heritage, which has produced some of the world's most iconic films, is under threat. The recent resurgence of interest in Kiarostami's work, particularly among younger audiences, is a testament to the enduring power of Iranian cinema. However, the ongoing conflict is also having a profound impact on the country's research communities, with many scholars and academics forced to flee their homes or go into hiding due to the violence.

Major players in the cultural sector, including the British Film Institute and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, have announced plans to increase their support for Iranian artists and filmmakers in the wake of the conflict. However, these efforts are likely to be hampered by the ongoing sanctions regime, which has severely restricted Iran's access to international funding and resources. The impact of the war on the cultural sector is also being felt in the wider research community, with many scholars warning of a significant decline in the quality and quantity of research being conducted in Iran due to the ongoing conflict.

The war in Iran is part of a broader pattern of instability in the Middle East, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing US-Iran rivalry. The conflict in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2015, is a prime example of the devastating impact of war on civilians. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of millions more, has been widely condemned by human rights groups and international leaders. The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has also had a profound impact on the region, with many countries struggling to cope with the aftermath of the war.