ICA is closed from the 30 May – 3 June inclusive.
14 May - 1 June 2025
Born in 1961 in Iran, Fatemeh (Simin) Motamed-Arya is a multi-award-wining Iranian film and theatre actress.
From her teens onwards, she participated in theatre and puppet shows in Kanoon-e Parvaresh (Institute for the intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults), before graduating from the Tehran School of the Arts. As one of the most significant actresses in post-revolutionary Iranian cinema, she has appeared in more than 60 features films and TV serials and won over 30 acting awards nationally and internationally, including the 2012 Henri Langlois award for her lifetime endeavours in promoting cinema. She has collaborated with directors such as Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Bahram Beyzai and Abbas Kiarostami.
Whether she is playing a timid, provincial or rebellious woman, her powerful acting over a 40-year film career has always been convincing and moving; she has a special affinity for playing independent spirits. Motamed-Arya has also been a jury member at many prestigious film festivals in Iran, India, USA, Turkey, Tajikistan, Australia, Italy, Japan, Egypt and France. She is held in very high regard by Iran’s arts community.
Off-screen and stage, she has played an active role in philanthropy, from securing life insurance for film workers to setting up charities for children with cancer, autism, or needing access to education.
Motamed-Arya has been prohibited from leaving her country on several occasions. The most recent case was initiated after October 2022, at the height of the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. She appeared in a social media video without a hijab, expressing her anger at the killing of protesters. Because she is currently not permitted to work within Iran, she is touring a theatre play around the world.
Born in 1961 in Iran, Fatemeh (Simin) Motamed-Arya is a multi-award-wining Iranian film and theatre actress.
From her teens onwards, she participated in theatre and puppet shows in Kanoon-e Parvaresh (Institute for the intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults), before graduating from the Tehran School of the Arts. As one of the most significant actresses in post-revolutionary Iranian cinema, she has appeared in more than 60 features films and TV serials and won over 30 acting awards nationally and internationally, including the 2012 Henri Langlois award for her lifetime endeavours in promoting cinema. She has collaborated with directors such as Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Bahram Beyzai and Abbas Kiarostami.
Whether she is playing a timid, provincial or rebellious woman, her powerful acting over a 40-year film career has always been convincing and moving; she has a special affinity for playing independent spirits. Motamed-Arya has also been a jury member at many prestigious film festivals in Iran, India, USA, Turkey, Tajikistan, Australia, Italy, Japan, Egypt and France. She is held in very high regard by Iran’s arts community.
Off-screen and stage, she has played an active role in philanthropy, from securing life insurance for film workers to setting up charities for children with cancer, autism, or needing access to education.
Motamed-Arya has been prohibited from leaving her country on several occasions. The most recent case was initiated after October 2022, at the height of the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. She appeared in a social media video without a hijab, expressing her anger at the killing of protesters. Because she is currently not permitted to work within Iran, she is touring a theatre play around the world.
This programme is presented with the precious support of Rose Issa Projects.
Supported by Bagri Foundation
Supported by Bagri Foundation
Programme
Wednesday 14 May, 6.45pm
Opening Night
Reyhaneh + Q&A
In post-war Iran, Reyhaneh seeks independence after leaving her husband, but faces family pressure, tradition, and looming financial hardship.
Thursday 15 May, 6.30pm
Once Upon a Time, Cinema
A playful, surreal journey through Iranian cinema’s early days, this film follows King Nasser edin Shah, who, enchanted by silent film Lor Girl, forsakes his throne to chase cinematic dreams.
Saturday 17 May, 12.30pm
The Actor
Akbar, a serious actor, is torn between art, commercial roles, and his wife's desperate wish for a child.
Saturday 17 May, 2.15pm
Once Upon a Time in Abadan
Amid Norouz celebrations, an Abadan family traumatised by war faces addiction, strained ties, and crisis after a mistaken U.S. bombing.
Wednesday 21 May, 8.50pm
The Blue-Veiled
Elderly farmer Rasul forms a bond with a young worker in this poignant tale of love, class, and convention.
Saturday 24 May, 6.30pm
Gilaneh
Set across two wars, this moving drama follows Gilaneh, a mother whose dreams are shattered as she cares for her war-scarred son and supports her daughter through love, loss, and resilience.
Wednesday 28 May, 6.30pm
Here Without Me
Inspired by Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, this poignant drama follows Farideh, a struggling mother in Tehran, trying to support her family and find hope for her fragile, dream-filled daughter, Yalda.
Sunday 1 June, 6.45pm
African Violet
Inspired by a true story, this touching film follows Shokoo as she brings her ailing ex-husband into her home, confronting love, memory, and forgiveness alongside her current husband, Reza.
Wednesday 14 May, 6.45pm
Opening Night
Reyhaneh + Q&A
In post-war Iran, Reyhaneh seeks independence after leaving her husband, but faces family pressure, tradition, and looming financial hardship.
Thursday 15 May, 6.30pm
Once Upon a Time, Cinema
A playful, surreal journey through Iranian cinema’s early days, this film follows King Nasser edin Shah, who, enchanted by silent film Lor Girl, forsakes his throne to chase cinematic dreams.
Saturday 17 May, 12.30pm
The Actor
Akbar, a serious actor, is torn between art, commercial roles, and his wife's desperate wish for a child.
Saturday 17 May, 2.15pm
Once Upon a Time in Abadan
Amid Norouz celebrations, an Abadan family traumatised by war faces addiction, strained ties, and crisis after a mistaken U.S. bombing.
Wednesday 21 May, 8.50pm
The Blue-Veiled
Elderly farmer Rasul forms a bond with a young worker in this poignant tale of love, class, and convention.
Saturday 24 May, 6.30pm
Gilaneh
Set across two wars, this moving drama follows Gilaneh, a mother whose dreams are shattered as she cares for her war-scarred son and supports her daughter through love, loss, and resilience.
Wednesday 28 May, 6.30pm
Here Without Me
Inspired by Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie, this poignant drama follows Farideh, a struggling mother in Tehran, trying to support her family and find hope for her fragile, dream-filled daughter, Yalda.
Sunday 1 June, 6.45pm
African Violet
Inspired by a true story, this touching film follows Shokoo as she brings her ailing ex-husband into her home, confronting love, memory, and forgiveness alongside her current husband, Reza.
no. 236848.