Since I attended the 2003 Arab Film Festival in San Francisco, I have been interested in film from the Middle East. Around the same time I saw Baran on DVD.

There are no film festivals in my locale which focus on iranian and central asian film. I am certain this region has a rich cinematic history, which I would like to explore.

I would appreciate guidance in providing the major movements, film-makers and films of this region — the context — to enable me to better explore the cinema of this region.

Also, I imagine that the films which are recommended to me will not be available at my local video stores. Thus, I would also apprecciate advice on how to rent/buy the films recommended.

Thank you.