Asghar Farhadi Set to Direct His 10th Film in France: A Cinematic Milestone!

Renowned Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi is poised to make a significant return to Paris with his upcoming film, “Parallel Tales,” marking 12 years since his French-language directorial debut with “The Past” in 2013. This highly anticipated film features a stellar French cast and promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

The film boasts an impressive lineup of acclaimed actors, including:

• Isabelle Huppert – Known for her role in “Elle”
• Virginie Efira – Star of “Benedetta”
• Vincent Cassel – Renowned for his performance in “Black Swan”
• Pierre Niney – Recognized from “The Count of Monte Cristo”
• Adam Bessa – Notable for his role in “Ghost Trail”

Additionally, the legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve will make an appearance in the film, adding to the excitement surrounding its release. The cast of “Parallel Tales” is particularly noteworthy as it features prominent figures from various generations of French cinema, creating a dynamic and diverse ensemble.

Notably, the film brings together established stars like Huppert and Efira, as well as Cassel and Niney, who recently starred in France’s second-biggest box office hit of 2024, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which attracted over 10 million admissions. Rising star Adam Bessa, who received a César Award nomination for his performance in “Ghost Trail,” further enhances the film’s appeal.

The storyline of “Parallel Tales” remains under wraps, but it has been penned by Farhadi and adapted by Massoumeh Lahidji. Shooting is set to commence in Paris this fall, with the film being developed as a French-Italian-Belgian coproduction.

This prestigious project is produced by Farhadi’s long-time collaborator Alexandre Mallet-Guy, alongside Farhadi and David Levine. The film is expected to be launched at the upcoming Cannes Film Market by Charades and UTA Independent Film Group. Charades will oversee international sales, while UTA Independent Film Group will handle U.S. rights. In France, distribution will be managed by Memento, with a release planned for Spring 2026.

Asghar Farhadi’s connection to France is deepened by his friendship and collaboration with Mallet-Guy. His previous film, “The Past,” starred Tahar Rahim and Berenice Bejo, earning critical acclaim. The film competed at Cannes in 2013, where Bejo won the Best Actress award, and it received five César nominations and a Golden Globe nomination in 2014.

With “Parallel Tales,” Farhadi is set to direct his tenth feature-length movie. He first gained international recognition in 2006 with his third feature film, “Fireworks Wednesday,” which competed at the Locarno Film Festival.

At the age of 52, Farhadi is regarded as one of Iran’s most influential cinematic voices. His films often delve into thought-provoking social issues. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts from the University of Tehran in 1988 and later pursued a master’s degree in theater direction.

Farhadi has earned two Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film: the first in 2012 for “A Separation,” which was also nominated for Best Screenplay, and the second in 2017 for “The Salesman.” His works have been showcased at the Cannes Film Festival four times, with “The Past,” “The Salesman,” “Everybody Knows,” and “A Hero” competing for prestigious awards.

“The Salesman” received the Best Screenplay and Best Actor awards at Cannes in 2016, while “A Hero” won the Grand Prize at the 2021 festival. Additionally, his Spanish-language debut, “Everybody Knows,” starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, opened and competed at Cannes in 2018.

Farhadi has also been recognized at the Berlin Film Festival, winning the Silver Bear for Best Director in 2009 for “About Elly” and the Golden Bear for “A Separation” in 2011. His remarkable journey in cinema continues to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike.