# The Salesman

> 2016 Iranian film by Asghar Farhadi

**Wikidata**: [Q22344480](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22344480)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Salesman_(2016_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-salesman

## Summary

The Salesman (Persian: فروشنده, Forushande) is a 2016 Iranian drama-thriller film directed and written by Asghar Farhadi, exploring themes of marital tension, moral ambiguity, and social pressures in contemporary Tehran. The film won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2017, making it the first Iranian film to win the award since *A Separation* (also directed by Farhadi). It was also awarded the César Award for Best Foreign Film in 2016 and the Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film in 2017.

## Key Facts

- **Title**: The Salesman (فروشنده, Forushande)
- **Director**: Asghar Farhadi
- **Release Year**: 2016
- **Country of Origin**: Iran, France
- **Language**: Persian
- **Runtime**: 123 minutes
- **Genres**: Drama film, thriller film, rape and revenge film (subgenre)
- **Publication Dates**: December 15, 2016 (Iran), February 2, 2017 (US)
- **IMDb ID**: tt5186714
- **IMDb Rating**: 7.9/10 (96% audience score, 85/100 critic score)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q28034485
- **Wikipedia Sitelink Count**: 45 language editions

## FAQs

**Who directed The Salesman?**

The Salesman was directed and written by Asghar Farhadi, an Iranian screenwriter and film director born on May 7, 1972. Farhadi is known for his nuanced explorations of human relationships and social issues in contemporary Iranian society.

**What awards did The Salesman win?**

The Salesman won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 2017, the César Award for Best Foreign Film in 2016, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film in 2017. It also won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at Cannes and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.

**What is the plot of The Salesman?**

The film follows a struggling salesman and his wife in Tehran whose lives are disrupted when an intruder enters their apartment, forcing them to confront hidden tensions in their marriage and navigate complex moral dilemmas.

**What languages is The Salesman available in?**

The film is primarily in Persian, though it has been distributed internationally with subtitles in multiple languages including English, French, and Spanish.

**How does The Salesman relate to other Asghar Farhadi films?**

The Salesman is part of Farhadi's acclaimed filmography that includes *About Elly* (2009), *A Separation* (2011), *The Past* (2013), and *A Hero* (2021). Like his other works, it explores themes of human relationships and social commentary within Iranian society.

## Why It Matters

The Salesman represents a significant achievement in Iranian cinema and global film recognition. Its Academy Award win in 2017 made it only the second Iranian film to receive this honor, following Farhadi's own *A Separation* in 2012. This accomplishment solidified Farhadi's position as one of the most prominent contemporary filmmakers addressing universal human experiences through an Iranian lens.

The film's success extends beyond awards—it brought international attention to the complexities of modern Iranian society, challenging Western stereotypes and showcasing the depth of cinematic talent emerging from Iran. Its exploration of themes including marital trust, social expectations, and moral compromise resonated with audiences worldwide, demonstrating that compelling storytelling transcends cultural boundaries.

The Salesman also played a crucial role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue about Iranian cinema's capacity to address controversial subjects with artistic sophistication. Its recognition at major Western awards ceremonies while maintaining its Iranian identity and language highlighted the growing global appreciation for non-English language cinema.

## Notable For

- First Iranian film to win the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film after *A Separation* (making Farhadi the first director to win the award twice)
- Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film in 2017
- Received the César Award for Best Foreign Film in 2016
- Won Best Screenplay Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival
- Selected as Iran's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards
- Achieved international box office success while maintaining critical acclaim
- Featured at numerous international film festivals including Cannes, Toronto, and New York

## Body

### Director and Creative Team

Asghar Farhadi serves as both director and screenwriter for The Salesman. Born on May 7, 1972, in Iran, Farhadi received his education at Tarbiat Modares University and the University of Tehran. He is affiliated with these institutions and has become one of Iran's most internationally recognized filmmakers. His career includes directing and writing *About Elly* (2009), *A Separation* (2011)—which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012—*The Past* (2013), and *A Hero* (2021). Farhadi's signature style involves realistic, understated storytelling that explores complex human relationships and social issues within contemporary Iranian society.

### Production Details

The Salesman is a co-production between Iran and France, reflecting the international collaboration that characterizes much of Farhadi's work. The film was released in Iran on December 15, 2016, and in the United States on February 2, 2017. Its runtime of 123 minutes allows for the nuanced character development that defines Farhadi's filmmaking approach.

### Genre Classification

The film operates within multiple genre classifications: it is primarily a drama film but also incorporates elements of thriller film and the rape and revenge subgenre of exploitation film. This genre blending allows the narrative to build tension while exploring deeper psychological and social themes.

### Awards and Recognition

The Salesman achieved remarkable success at major international film awards:

- **Academy Award for Best International Feature Film** (2017): The film's Oscar win made history, as Farhadi became the first director to win the award twice, having previously won for *A Separation* in 2012.
- **Golden Globe Award for Best Non-English Language Film** (2017): This recognition further cemented the film's international appeal.
- **César Award for Best Foreign Film** (2016): France's premier film award honored The Salesman as the best foreign film of the year.
- **Best Screenplay Award at Cannes Film Festival** (2016): The film received this prestigious honor at one of the world's most important film festivals.
- **Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at Cannes** (2016): This award recognizes films that raise important ethical and spiritual questions.

### Critical Reception

The Salesman received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both audiences and critics. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 7.9 out of 10, with a 96% audience score and a critic score of 85 out of 100. The critical acclaim reflected the film's ability to engage international audiences with its universal themes while maintaining cultural specificity.

### Distribution and Release

The film was distributed internationally with releases in multiple countries. Its official website is www.thesalesmanfilm.com. The film has been subtitled in numerous languages for international distribution, making it accessible to global audiences while preserving its original Persian dialogue.

### Related Works and Connections

The Salesman exists within Farhadi's broader filmography and is connected to several other significant works:

- **A Separation** (2011): Farhadi's previous Oscar-winning film, also exploring marital and social dynamics in Iran
- **About Elly** (2009): An earlier Farhadi drama about relationships and deception
- **The Past** (2013): Another Farhadi film examining past relationships and family dynamics
- **A Hero** (2021): Farhadi's subsequent film following The Salesman

### Cultural Significance

The Salesman matters because it represents a pinnacle of achievement for Iranian cinema on the global stage. Its success demonstrated that films in Persian could achieve mainstream international recognition without compromising their cultural authenticity. The film also contributed to ongoing discussions about the representation of Iran in Western media, offering a nuanced portrayal of contemporary Iranian life that contrasted with typical Western depictions.

### Technical Properties

The film carries numerous identifiers across platforms:
- IMDb: tt5186714
- Wikidata: Q28034485
- Various cataloging identifiers including properties for genre classification, runtime, and release information
- Available on multiple streaming platforms and home video formats

### Legacy

The Salesman continues to be studied in film courses and analyzed for its narrative techniques, thematic depth, and cultural significance. Its success paved the way for greater international interest in Iranian cinema and demonstrated the universal applicability of thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. The film remains a touchstone for discussions about the intersection of national cinema and global recognition in the contemporary film industry.

## References

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