Cities such as Tehran, London, Dubai, Paris, and New York were the most successful in selling Iranian artworks during this period. Although Tehran remained a frontrunner, it faced a significant decrease in sales compared to the previous year. London also saw its sales halved, while Dubai experienced a 27% growth. This fluctuation in sales illustrates the evolving nature of the art market and its response to global economic conditions.
Picasso exhibition at TMoCA
On March 12, 2025, the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art unveiled a rare exhibition featuring 66 works by the legendary artist Pablo Picasso. Titled ‘Picasso in Tehran,’ the exhibition offered an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to explore the evolution of Picasso’s artistic career.
The showcase included prints, paintings, sculptures, and artist books, highlighting Picasso’s profound influence on modernist movements, including those in Iran. Running until May 21, 2025, the exhibition strategically coincided with the Nowruz holiday, attracting a diverse audience eager to engage with the richness of Picasso’s legacy.
Oscar win for Iranian animation
In a remarkable achievement for Iranian cinema, the animated short film ‘In the Shadow of Cypress,’ co-directed by Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani, won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025. This film, produced by the Iranian Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, became the first Iranian animated short to win an Oscar, marking a significant milestone in the country’s cinematic history. With this victory, Iran celebrated its third Oscar win, following the success of Asghar Farhadi’s films ‘A Separation’ and ‘The Salesman.’
Fajr Film Festival
The 43rd Fajr Film Festival, held during a transitional period between two administrations, was marked by notable changes. While it faced criticisms regarding its organization, the festival saw the return of the People’s Simorgh award after a three-year hiatus, awarded to the film ‘Peshmerga’ by Ali Ghaffari. This return was a significant development, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement in evaluating cinematic works. Despite challenges, the festival remains a vital cultural event that continues to promote Iranian cinema both nationally and internationally.