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The Deer + Introduction (15*)

Masterpieces of the Iranian New Wave

,Cinema 1
A man laughing on the floor

Masoud Kimiai’s cult classic embodies everything remarkable about Iranian cinema of the 1970s: political, provocative, sincere, furious and tragic.  

A former champion turned heroin addict reunites with a leftist classmate and finds a final, fiery form of redemption through revolutionary rage.  

The film remains shockingly bold, especially given its place at the very heart of mainstream Iranian cinema. At its centre stands Behrouz Vosoughi, the era’s most versatile method actor and Iranian megastar, delivering one of the defining performances of his career. 

Premiering at the Tehran International Film Festival in November 1974, The Deer (Gavaznha) was banned for two years and allowed back into theatres only after Kimiai shot a new ending. Both endings will be screened at this event. 

Introduced by season curator Ehsan Khoshbakht. 

Tagged with: Cinema Masterpieces of the Iranian New Wave 2026

In Persian with English subtitles 

Please note we are showing this very rarely screened film from the best materials available to us.

Film information
  • Release year   1974
  • Country of origin   Iran
  • Director   Masoud Kimiai
  • Runtime   2hrs 5mins

Explore the season

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.