TEHRAN -- In a celebrated nod to Iranian filmmaking, two notable Iranian films are set to screen as part of the official “Cannes Cinema – Focus on Iranian Cinema” program, a key segment of the 2025–2026 Cannes City Film Season. 
The screenings, scheduled for September 18, promise to showcase the rich diversity of Iran’s contemporary cinematic landscape.
The poetic drama Melody, directed and produced by Behrouz Sebt Rasoul, tells the heartfelt story of a music teacher inspired by birdsong to compose a musical piece for hospitalized children. This Iranian-Tajik co-production, starring Diman Zandi, Alireza Ostadi, and Maghdad Eslami alongside Tajik actors, previously represented Tajikistan in the 2025 Academy Awards race, marking its international acclaim.
Joining Melody is Daughter, a poignant 2015 drama by acclaimed director Reza Mirkarimi. Featuring performances by Farhad Aslani and Merila Zarei, the film explores the complex dynamics between a strict father and his young daughter in southern Iran, delving into generational divides, tradition, and personal choices. 
Together, these films offer a compelling juxtaposition of narrative styles—one lyrical and introspective, the other socially grounded and realistic—highlighting the evolving voices within Iranian cinema.
The “Cannes Cinema” program, curated by the cultural department of the Cannes municipality, has long been a prestigious platform dedicated to showcasing the artistic cinema of diverse countries. Iran’s inclusion underscores its continuing influence and the growing international appetite for its nuanced storytelling.