Tracing the history and influence of Iranian cinema and its filmmakers.

Director Shah Krishna compiled this compelling documentary of Indian cinema after spending two years searching through film archives from all over the world. Included are films from the turn of the 20th century through the 1970s to illustrate various schools of filmmaking and the historical progression of the art form.

At the end of the 20th century, the son of a distinguished family, Sosiko Cholokashvili, became interested in cinematography, a field unknown to the public. Despite his inexperience, financial difficulties, and disappointment, one of the first enthusiasts of Georgian cinema recorded many shots depicting the appearance and existence of old Tbilisi on tape.

A man prepares an old ritual in a temple abandoned by its followers.

In Iran a civil war has been going on for several years, coming under the spotlight of the western media after the death of Mahsa Amini. Protests erupted all over the world with the aim of giving a voice, across national borders, to Iranian women and people who risk their lives every day for freedom

In March 2012, Iranian movie "A Separation" by Asghar Farhadi, won the Oscar Award for the Best Foreign Language Film. For the Iranian people this was more than a cinematic award. When sanctions and threats of war with Iran covered the world headlines, Farhadi talked about Iran's love for peace and the rich culture of the Iranians on the stage when receiving his award. This time the Iranians voice was heard through someone other than the government officials. This documentary shows the reaction of the Iranians to this Oscar award and has a general view on Iran's society of today.

Follows the events of Iran hostage crisis of 1979 and people who were held as hostages in the US embassy in Tehran, Iran for over 400 days.

Tim Heidecker reviews the latest movies in theaters with a special guest.