“Leila’s Brothers,” an Iranian drama directed and written by Saeed Rostaei, unfolds in the challenging economic landscape of Leila’s family. Starring Saeed Pour-Samimi, Taraneh Alidoosti, Navid Mohammadzadeh, Peyman Maadi, Farhad Aslani, Mohammad Ali Mohammadi, Nireh Farahani, and Mehdi Hosseini-Nia, the film explores Leila’s efforts to overcome financial struggles.

Director and Writer: Saeed Rostaei
Release Year: 2022
Genre: Drama
Cast: Saeed Pour-Samimi, Taraneh Alidoosti, Navid Mohammadzadeh, Peyman Maadi, Farhad Aslani, Mohammad Ali Mohammadi, Nireh Farahani, Mehdi Hosseini-Nia, and more.
Awards and Controversy:
“Leila’s Brothers” premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival without proper screening permits, leading to its suspension by the National Cinema Organization. Despite the controversy, the film won the Federation of International Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award at the festival. It was later unofficially released online in Iran in March 2022.

Leila, a forty-year-old single woman, navigates economic crises within her family. Working in a shopping center office, she becomes the sole breadwinner. The narrative explores her attempt to improve their financial situation and her proposal to her brothers to invest in a business, unraveling a complex web of family dynamics and societal pressures.

Saeed Rostaei’s film, rich in political and symbolic interpretations, serves as a thought-provoking commentary on Iranian society’s challenges. The character dynamics and the quest for prosperity unfold against the backdrop of a family struggling with economic hardships, creating a cinematic experience both controversial and compelling.

The film and its creators faced legal repercussions, with Saeed Rostaei receiving a six-month prison sentence, and Javad Norouzbeygi, the producer, facing charges related to anti-establishment activities. The film’s bold narrative and its impact on Iranian cinema have sparked debates on artistic freedom and societal critique.

“Leila’s Brothers” offers an intense portrayal of familial bonds and societal pressures, providing a unique lens into the complexities of contemporary Iranian life. Watch this thought-provoking drama exclusively on FarsiMov.