Asghar Farhadi’s ‘Parallel Tales’ receives standing ovation at Cannes

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Arts & Entertainment Desk

Asghar Farhadi’s ‘Parallel Tales’ receives standing ovation at Cannes

Director Asghar Farhadi and cast members Vincent Cassel, Virginie Efira, Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve, Pierre Niney, Adam Bessa and India Hair during the screening of 'Parallel Tales'; Photos: Reuters

Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi has premiered his latest film, “Parallel Tales”, in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. The French-language drama received a five-minute standing ovation at Cannes' Grand Théâtre Lumière on Thursday night.

Farhadi, who has twice won the Oscar for Best International Feature for “A Separation” (2011) and “The Salesman” (2016), returns to Cannes after previously winning prizes there for “The Salesman” and “A Hero” (2021).

(L) Isabelle Huppert, Asghar Farhadi and Catherine Deneuve

“Parallel Tales” is adapted from a chapter of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s celebrated Polish television series “Dekalog” (1989–1990), written by Farhadi alongside his brother Saeed. The film explores voyeurism and the boundary between fantasy and reality. It features an ensemble of prominent French actors, including Isabelle Huppert, Virginie Efira, Vincent Cassel and Catherine Deneuve.

According to early reactions, the film received a mixed response. While performances were praised, some viewers found the story uneven and slow in parts. Reports from the screening said many audience members appeared tired by the end of its two-hour-twenty-minute runtime.

“Parallel Tales” opened in French cinemas alongside its Cannes premiere.