On this episode: How long does chapstick stay in your stomach? I wish I had an eyebrow scar. I wish I had eyebrows. How much chapstick have YOU eaten in your lifetime?…and more!
Embark on a cinematic journey through the Iranian New Wave, a revolutionary movement that transformed Iranian cinema and captivated global audiences. In this episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson welcomes Kaveh Askari, associate professor and director of the Film Studies Program at Michigan State University, to explore this groundbreaking era of filmmaking.
The Evolution of Iranian New Wave Cinema
From its roots in the 1960s through the post-revolution era, the Iranian New Wave challenged traditional storytelling while focusing on the lives of ordinary people. Through a combination of realism, social commentary, and artistic innovation, these films created a unique cinematic language that resonated worldwide. The movement bridged pre- and post-revolution Iran, adapting to changing social landscapes while maintaining its distinctive artistic vision.
Five Essential Iranian New Wave Films
The conversation explores five significant works: The House is Black (1962), The Brick and the Mirror (1965), The Cow (1969), Taste of Cherry (1997), and At Five in the Afternoon (2003). Each film demonstrates different aspects of the movement, from poetic documentaries to neorealist dramas and meta-cinematic explorations. Members can enjoy an extended discussion of five additional films: Bashu, the Little Stranger (1989); A Moment of Innocence (1996); Children of Heaven (1997); Tales (2014); and Taxi (2015).
Legacy and Preservation
The Iranian New Wave presents unique challenges in preservation and accessibility today. However, the movement’s emphasis on authentic storytelling, visual poetry, and social consciousness has secured its place in cinema history. Through careful analysis of these groundbreaking films, we discover how Iranian New Wave cinema revolutionized not just Iranian filmmaking, but the global art house scene as well.
Join us for this fascinating exploration of one of cinema’s most influential movements, and discover how these pioneering filmmakers found beauty and meaning in the everyday lives of ordinary people. Film Sundries
- Watch our conversation on YouTube!
- Check out Kaveh Askari’s books:
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- Recommended and Discussed Movies
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- Our Letterboxd List
This is currently only available for members. It’ll be available to everyone else soon, but why not become a member so you can listen to it now? We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get access to members-only Discord channels, and early ad-free releases for every episode. Plus, you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel film podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
Join Krissy and Nate as they break down Chuck’s divine revelation, Kevin’s heavenly ascension, and the God vs. Amara showdown in Supernatural’s most theologically complex episode yet.
In this no-holds-barred episode of The Scalpel of Truth, your host Leisa Krauss (a.k.a. The Bitchin’ Beautician, a.k.a. The Profit Queen, a.k.a. the woman screaming “Data is sexy!” while your P&L sheet cries in the corner) is here to perform a full-blown, surgical-grade takedown of lazy business practices in the aesthetics industry. And let me tell you—it’s spicier than a jalapeño facial.
This week on Make Me A Nerd, Mandy takes a cubicle tour of Apple TV+’s Severance. Joining her is Jon Cassie, a certified nerd extraordinaire, former podcaster, and educational innovator, who has spent more time thinking about sci-fi and board games than most of us spend awake.
Star Wars Book Club: The Mask of Fear – Political Intrigue in the Early Empire
In this members-only episode of Star Wars Generations, hosts Matthew, Alex, and Erin dive deep into Alexander Freed’s Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear, the first book in the Reign of the Empire series. Set immediately after Revenge of the Sith, this political thriller explores how key figures like Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera respond to Emperor Palpatine’s rise to power.
How does the book reflect real-world politics?
The hosts discuss how The Mask of Fear serves as a commentary on modern political events, drawing parallels between the galaxy’s fall to authoritarianism and real-world concerns about democracy under threat. The book explores themes of institutional failure, propaganda, and the difficult choices faced by those who initially try to work within a corrupted system.
What drives Mon Mothma and Bail Organa’s different approaches?
Mon Mothma believes she can challenge Palpatine through legislative means with her “Imperial Rebirth Act,” while Bail Organa pursues evidence to exonerate the Jedi from false accusations. Both senators begin with a naive faith in institutions before slowly realizing more drastic measures may be necessary. Their diverging strategies—and eventual recognition that they must work with rebels like Saw Gerrera—form the emotional core of the narrative.
How does the book deepen our understanding of the Star Wars universe?
The hosts highlight how The Mask of Fear adds complexity to our understanding of the Separatist movement, revealing that many had legitimate grievances against Republic corruption. The book also explores Bail Organa’s deep personal connection to the Jedi Order and sets up character arcs that will eventually lead to the Rebel Alliance seen in later stories.
Key topics discussed:
- The Coalition of 2000 and its connection to deleted scenes from Revenge of the Sith
- Hoki, an Imperial security agent, and their non-binary apprentice Chemish
- Su-jen, the augmented separatist weapon with conflicting loyalties
- How the book serves as a prequel to the Andor series
- Mon Mothma’s controversial decision regarding Su-jen’s assassination attempt
- The book’s philosophical examination of democracy and representative government
- Padmé Amidala’s lasting influence on both Bail and Mon’s motivations
The hosts conclude by sharing what they hope to see in the upcoming sequels, particularly how Mon Mothma and Bail Organa transform from Senate politicians to Rebel leaders, and how their relationship with more radical figures like Saw Gerrera evolves. Despite being a dense, complex political thriller, The Mask of Fear provides crucial context for understanding the early formation of the Rebellion against the Empire.
Links:
This is only available for members. Why not become a member so you can listen to it too? We’d love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get access to members-only Discord channels, and early ad-free releases for every episode. What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Ethical Panda’s podcasts through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.
