Golshifteh Farahani, the acclaimed Iranian actress, shines in her latest role in the film Lire Lolita à Téhéran, directed by Eran Riklis. Adapted from the autobiographical book by Azar Nafisi, the film offers a poignant look at life in Iran just after the Shah's fall in 1979. Farahani, who plays a professor returning to her homeland, embraces the complex emotions and painful memories tied to this pivotal period in Iranian history.
Farahani first accepted the role back in 2018, but it holds special significance for her as it is her first opportunity to act in Farsi since leaving Iran. In a recent interview on France 2's "20h30 Le Dimanche," aired on March 23, 2025, she reflected on her journey in the film, describing it as deeply personal and transformative. "For the first time, I’m acting in my native language, the Farsi language surrounded by the backdrop of my homeland," she shared, revealing the emotional weight of playing a character so intrinsically tied to her cultural roots.
The significance of the film’s setting resonates with Farahani, born in 1983, who grew up amid war and revolution yet had not been able to revisit her past until working on this project. "It was incredible to travel back in time, to live the emotions and experiences that shaped our lives as children of war," she noted. During the film's production, Farahani celebrated Norouz, the Iranian New Year, at the Villa Medici in Rome, capturing the joy of reconnecting with her fellow actresses and the shared essence of Iranian culture.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of repression but highlights the resilience of the human spirit through literature. Farahani underscored the role of banned books in the film, where the characters find solace and identity through forbidden literature. "These women find meaning in the words they read, creating an existence defying oppression," she emphasized, drawing parallels to her own experiences growing up surrounded by forbidden texts in her home.
Farahani's activism has not gone unnoticed, and she has become a vocal critic of the Iranian regime. In her interviews, she expressed a firm belief that change is inevitable. "I'm convinced that the Iranian regime will fall. The only question is: when? A tree that is completely rotten from the inside always crumbles," she remarked, signaling hope amidst the turmoil.
Her recent interviews have also been peppered with rumors of a personal relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron, sparked initially in the summer of 2024. While Farahani maintains a humorous approach to these rumors—"It's just a rumor; it's funny to realize how waves come and go," she stated—she also critiques the serious implications of such narratives in a world where political realities can be obscured by speculation.
Moreover, in another part of her interview, Farahani offered a sobering perspective on the responsibility of artists. "The regime has its place, but it’s information that we must transmit to the world right now with our art," she elaborated, underlining the urgency for artists to speak out against injustices and to use their platforms for change.
Additionally, Farahani's artistic journey began at a young age; she was already auditioning for film roles by 14 and landed her first role in the film Le Poirier in 1998. Her talent propelled her into the international spotlight, but it came at a cost when she was exiled from Iran after presenting a film without a veil at the Cannes Film Festival. Since then, she has demonstrated versatility across various genres and platforms, participating in approximately 30 productions.
Reflecting on her rich experiences, she expressed a desire to reconnect with her roots while also pursuing her musical passions. In 2022, she performed on stage with Chris Martin of Coldplay, singing "Baraye," an anthem for Iranian protesters, marking a pivotal moment of solidarity with her compatriots. "It was an incredible experience and a gift Chris made to the Iranian people," she expressed.
As she prepares for the anticipated release of Lire Lolita à Téhéran on March 29, 2025, Farahani's unwavering commitment to her art and her heritage continues to resonate. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and a quest for freedom amidst the shadows of oppression.
