Inside the Frame

Ali Asgari on Divine Comedy and Filmmaking in Iran

Authors

  • Ali Akarcesme Kutztown University

Abstract

This interview explores Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari’s artistic process and his engagement with censorship and everyday absurdities within Iran’s cultural bureaucracy. Focusing on Asgari’s new feature Divine Comedy (2025)—a satirical drama about a censored director who secretly screens his banned film—the conversation situates the work within the long tradition of Iranian cinema turning restriction into creative force. The piece also reflects on the global reception of Asgari’s recent films, including Terrestrial Verses (2023), and highlights the international discourse around Iranian filmmaking, such as Martin Scorsese’s remarks on its humanist mission. Drawing from a one-hour discussion conducted between New York and Tehran, this condensed Q&A offers insight into Asgari’s methods, challenges, and cinematic philosophy.

Author Biography

Ali Akarcesme, Kutztown University

Ali Akarcesme is a filmmaker and educator whose work bridges creative practice and critical inquiry in cinema and television. Since 2016, he has taught film production, history, and media theory, emphasizing industry practice and analytical rigor. Before academia, he worked as a television producer creating non-fiction programming for RCN Cable. His directing work includes the award-winning short narrative Departures and the current documentary Who Needs Preacher Moss? Between Faith and Funny. His films explore identity, immigration, and underrepresented communities. He remains active in the industry, bringing knowledge and contemporary production methods into the classroom to prepare students for a rapidly evolving media landscape. 

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Published

2026-07-08

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): Mise-en-scène: The Journal of Film & Visual Narration

Section

Interviews