Military drama ‘God of War’ to premiere in Lebanon
Iran’s controversial military drama ‘God of War’ will kick off its international theatrical run in Lebanon on July 18, according to a statement released by Owj Arts and Media Organization on Wednesday.
The film is directed by Hossein Darabi, produced by Saeed Sa’di, and developed by Mohammadreza Shafah, all known figures in Iran’s state-backed cinema scene, ILNA reported.
The film dramatizes the launch of Iran’s first post-revolution missile and aims to portray what it calls the country’s “military strength” through cinematic language.
Produced by Owj, a state-funded group tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the film blends defense propaganda with a modern storytelling approach and seeks to reshape regional narratives through cultural export.
‘God of War’ was first screened at Iran’s Fajr Film Festival earlier this year. Its international debut marks a calculated move by Tehran to leverage soft power in the Arab world amid rising regional tensions. The cast features a roster of well-known Iranian actors, including Saed Soheili, Hossein Soleimani, Payam Ahmadinia, and Nader Fallah.
The film follows a fictionalized account of Iran’s early missile program. “This time, it’s our turn to launch the first missile,” reads the tagline, underscoring the nationalistic tone. The narrative seeks to align with Tehran’s broader messaging strategy by revisiting what it views as key moments in its post-1979 military history.
The Lebanese release comes as Iran ramps up its cultural outreach across the Middle East, often using cinema, television, and literature to promote its strategic narratives. Further international screenings are expected but have not yet been officially announced.