Historic Qajar Era Film Reels Unearthed: 31 Rare Discoveries at Golestan Palace

In a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the early history of Iranian cinema, a total of 31 film reels from the Qajar era have been unearthed at the UNESCO-designated Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran. These reels are believed to represent some of the earliest captured images in Iranian history, marking a significant milestone in the country’s cinematic journey.

As reported by Mehr news agency, Afarin Emami, the director of the Golestan Palace World Heritage site, shared insights into this fascinating find. The discovery was made while organizing and preserving items in the Album Khaneh (Album House), where officials examined boxes of film reels from a collection known as “raw film” recorded in the past. Among these, they identified 31 film reels that showcase the Qajar period.

Emami detailed that the collection includes 28 reels of 35mm film and three reels of 16mm film, all of which have been meticulously identified by experts and the trustee of the Album House of Golestan Palace. She emphasized the necessity for further expert studies to accurately assess the content of these historical films.

Highlighting the significance of these works, Emami noted, “These films, in addition to the films of the Mozaffari era, can provide researchers and enthusiasts with valuable and new information about the understanding of the Qajar era and the atmosphere of that time, and even influence the view of the early history of Iranian cinema.”

The Album House of Golestan Palace is home to over 61,000 historical artifacts, including Qajar cameras, films, photo albums, photographs, paintings, glass negatives, and other related items. This extensive collection is recognized as the second most important album house globally.

Within this royal album house, visitors can explore:

• 1,040 old photo albums taken by renowned photographers from the Qajar era.
• More than 4,000 individual photographs in various sizes.
• A rare and rich treasury of pictorial documents reflecting the history and society of Iran and the world during the 18th and 19th centuries CE.

This album house has gained a reputation as the second-best repository of old photographs, following the Royal Museum of Britain. It serves as one of the most valuable resources for historical research concerning that period. Established based on the documentation of significant cities in Iran and abroad during the travels of Naser al-Din Shah and Mozaffar al-Din Shah to Europe, it provides crucial insights into the cultural exchanges of the time.

The discovery of the Qajar film reels at Golestan Palace not only enhances our understanding of Iranian history but also opens new avenues for research and exploration into early cinematic practices. As more studies unfold, these films are expected to contribute significantly to the comprehension of the socio-cultural landscape of the Qajar era, offering a glimpse into the lives and aspirations of the people during that time.

In conclusion, the unveiling of these historical film reels is a monumental step forward in preserving Iran’s rich cinematic heritage. As experts delve deeper into the content of these films, the potential for new narratives and revelations about the Qajar period and early Iranian cinema continues to grow. This monumental find underscores the importance of the Golestan Palace and its Album House as a treasure trove of historical artifacts that enrich our understanding of Iran’s past.