Asghar Farhadi Begins Filming His 10th Feature, ‘Parallel Tales,’ in the Heart of Paris
The acclaimed Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has embarked on an exciting new journey with the shooting of his tenth feature film, “Parallel Tales,” in the beautiful city of Paris, France. This film not only adds to Farhadi’s illustrious career but also marks his second venture into French-language cinema, following his previous work, The Past.
With numerous accolades under his belt, including two Academy Awards, Farhadi’s return to Paris is highly anticipated, especially after the success of his last film, A Hero, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021.
The film boasts a stellar cast that includes:
- Isabelle Huppert
- Vincent Cassel
- Virginie Efira
- Pierre Niney
- Adam Bessa
- Catherine Deneuve
While the plot of “Parallel Tales” remains a mystery, it is written by Farhadi himself, who is known for crafting emotionally gripping narratives that delve into complex themes. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how he weaves yet another intricately layered story.
Looking ahead, the film is expected to have a spring 2026 release in France, positioning it perfectly for a potential debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival next year. This release strategy has fans buzzing with excitement in anticipation of what Farhadi will bring to the screen.
“Parallel Tales” is a collaborative project involving French, Italian, and Belgian production entities. The film is being produced by Alexandre Mallet-Guy, a long-term collaborator of Farhadi, alongside the director himself and David Levine. This high-profile project will be showcased by Charades and UTA Independent Film Group at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.
For international sales, Charades will oversee the distribution, while UTA Independent Film Group will manage the rights within the United States. The French distribution will be handled by Memento, aiming for a spring 2026 release.
This marks the fifth collaboration between Farhadi and Memento Production, following their successful partnership on films such as:
- The Past
- The Salesman (which won an Oscar)
- Everybody Knows
- A Hero
At the age of 53, Asghar Farhadi stands as one of Iran’s most influential cinematic figures. He is renowned for his thought-provoking films that tackle various social issues, earning recognition and admiration worldwide. His academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts from the University of Tehran in 1988, followed by a master’s degree in theater direction.
Farhadi’s accolades include winning the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2012 for A Separation, which was also nominated for Best Screenplay. He achieved this remarkable feat again in 2017 with The Salesman. Throughout his career, Farhadi has competed at the Cannes Film Festival on four occasions with notable films such as:
- The Past
- The Salesman
- Everybody Knows
- A Hero
His film The Salesman garnered the Best Screenplay and Best Actor awards at Cannes in 2016, while A Hero won the Grand Prize at the festival in 2021. Additionally, Everybody Knows, his debut in Spanish, which starred renowned actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, opened and competed at Cannes in 2018.
Farhadi has also received recognition at the Berlin International Film Festival, where he was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Director in 2009 for About Elly and the Golden Bear for A Separation in 2011.
As the production of “Parallel Tales” unfolds, cinema enthusiasts eagerly await another masterpiece from Farhadi, whose films continue to resonate with audiences around the globe. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project develops!
