Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi honored at Sarajevo fest
Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival, running Aug. 14 to 21, 2026. The two-time Oscar winner, known for "A Separation" and "The Salesman," earns the tribute for his outstanding contribution to cinema, with a retrospective screening as part of the festival's "Tribute To" program.
Key Takeaways
- Asghar Farhadi will receive the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo at the 32nd edition of the festival.
- The event runs Aug. 14 to 21, 2026, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- A retrospective of Farhadi's work will screen as part of the "Tribute To" program.
- Farhadi previously served as jury president at Sarajevo in 2018.
- His latest film, "Parallel Tales," premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
What honor will Asghar Farhadi receive at Sarajevo?
The Iranian screenwriter and director will be presented with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo, awarded in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art of cinema. The honor comes as the festival celebrates its 32nd edition.
Alongside the award, a retrospective of Farhadi's work will be presented as part of the festival's "Tribute To" program, giving audiences a curated look at one of contemporary cinema's most influential voices.
Why does the Sarajevo Film Festival celebrate Farhadi's career?
Festival director Jovan Marjanović praised Farhadi's global significance, noting that his films reveal profound dramas concealed within everyday life. "His films do not offer easy answers; instead, they invite us to look more closely, listen more carefully and engage with life's complexities," Marjanović said, according to Variety.
Farhadi is no stranger to Sarajevo. He served as president of the feature film competition jury in 2018, when his film "Everybody Knows" screened in the Open Air program. For more festival and awards coverage, see our Streaming & TV Alerts section.
What films define Asghar Farhadi's legacy?
Farhadi made his directorial debut with "Dancing in the Dust" (2002). International breakthrough came with "About Elly" (2009), which earned him the Silver Bear for best director at the Berlinale.
"A Separation" (2011) brought worldwide acclaim and more than 70 awards, including an Academy Award and a César for best foreign film. He later won Cannes best actress honors for Bérénice Bejo with "The Past" (2013) and claimed a second Oscar with "The Salesman" (2016).
His 2021 film "A Hero" won the Grand Prix at Cannes. His latest project, "Parallel Tales," shot in France, screened at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
When does the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival take place?
The 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival runs from Aug. 14 to 21, 2026. Farhadi's honorary tribute and retrospective will unfold during that window, marking a major moment for the Balkans' flagship cinema event.