By now it is no longer a secret that Iran has a challenging and diverse film culture. But often independent shorts, box-office hits and art-house fare are worlds apart and the local public does not have access to Iran’s most successful films, while some of the internationally lauded works are being kept from Iranian viewers’ eyes. At least in the cinema. At the same time it is clear that there is a deep mutual interest between Iran and the rest of the world and the country’s cinematic landscape does not stop at its borders. That is why this year’s focus also takes a look at some films of Iranian filmmakers living abroad, while also reflecting on a "western" point of view with several short films by European directors. The focus also casts a light on some independently