THE DUST OF LIGHT (2024)

Hindered by the strict edicts of the television censors under the Islamic regime, Aslani nonetheless directed this 11-part series in 1998, about Iranian history and culture as seen through the eyes of two young lovers. Earlier this year, Aslani recovered a digitized version of the negative and was able with far more freedom to create a feature-length film version. It is this version—having its premiere at MoMA—that certifies Aslani’s mastery of cinematic storytelling.