THERE IS no denying that Iranian cinema is about the most exciting in the world and now the 2015 Iranian Film Festival Australia is upon us this weekend in Canberra, bursting, they say, with contemporary themes and ideas.

This should not come as a surprise to educated Canberrans, but it sometimes does. Because much of the press given to Iran in this country focuses on dark themes of repression, it is often forgotten that Iran is a huge country with a vibrant contemporary culture. I should know, I’ve been there twice in the last few years.

This year’s Iranian Film Festival features eleven features and six short films exploring the fabric of Iranian identity. As always, film brings it to life.

Festival co-director Armin Miladi says the program features three first-time filmmakers.

According to festival co-director Anne Démy?Geroe, “The changing political environment has influenced the Iranian film industry and this year will see the theme of relationships move to the forefront of the program…We’re hoping audiences will be curious about the transformation of Iranian cinema.”

The festival opens with Safi Yazdanian’s “What’s the time in your world?” and closes with Bahram Tavakoli’s ‘dramedy’, “I am Diego Maradona”. In between these are nine other films including the edgy “Crazy Castle”, “Risk of Acid Rain”, “Death of the Fish” and “Melbourne,” which recounts the story of a young couple on their way to Melbourne to continue their studies when tragedy strikes.

THE Iranian Film Festival Australia 2015, at the Arc Cinema – National Film and Sound Archive this weekend October 17 – 18, bookings to nfsa.gov.au