Revisiting the Cinematic Journey of Samira Makhmalbaf within the Iranian New Wave

New-wave filmmakers in Iran have depicted the pressing political and social issues faced by the country through their films. These issues include oppression, ethnicity, war, authoritarianism, religious and cultural taboos, family dynamics, polygamy, divorce, loneliness, and existentialism, among others. Among these filmmakers, Samira Makhmalbaf stands out. This article aims to analyze five films created by Samira, focusing on their themes, plots, filmmaking style, treatment, and storytelling ability, using the method of qualitative visual analysis. The study reveals that Samira employs her films to question gender dynamics, particularly through the lens of education and empowerment. Furthermore, it concludes that her frames and shots possess a natural quality, with minimal use of cinematic gimmicks. The incorporation of metaphors and symbols is another notable feature of her filmmaking. 

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