Chess of the Wind + The Crown Jewels of Iran (15) + Introduction
Masterpieces of the Iranian New Wave
Two suppressed masterpieces, now restored to their true glory, not only showcase the use of colour in Iranian cinema but despite their visual splendour delve into the roots of decadence.
The Crown Jewels of Iran and Chess of the Wind explore the betrayal of the ruling class while foreshadowing the changes to come. In Ebrahim Golestan’s subversive and once-banned short documentary, The Crown Jewels, the narration sharply contrasts with sumptuous shots of precious jewels, condemning the decadence of past rulers.
Conversely, Mohammad Reza Aslani’s debut feature, Chess of the Wind, which vanished after its 1976 premiere at the Tehran Film Festival, plunges viewers into a labyrinth of corruption and decay within a household. Subtly foreshadowing the revolution, the film masterfully portrays the hidden inner struggles of Iranian society.
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Under 18s £6
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking, so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select 'wheelchair user' ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
The Crown Jewels of Iran (Ganjineha-ye gohar): Ebrahim Golestan’s most visually dazzling documentary ostensibly showcases the precious jewels housed in the treasury of the Central Bank of Iran. However, it is, in reality, a bold critique of the treachery of Persian kings.
1965 Iran dir Ebrahim Golestan 15 mins, in Persian with English subtitles
Chess of the Wind (Shatranj-e baad): A mesmerizing exploration of House of Usher-like themes, the film is set in a decaying feudal mansion where the death of a noble family’s matriarch sparks a power struggle. Featuring a hauntingly eerie score by Sheyda Gharachedaghi—one of the most prolific female film composers of the 1960s and 1970s—it remains one of the major rediscovered gems of Iranian cinema in recent years.
1976 Iran dir Mohammad Reza Aslani 100 mins, in Persian with English subtitles
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.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Level access from the Pit floor foyer only to the two boxes (see Mobility below). All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Two boxes at the rear of the auditorium each have space for one wheelchair user and a companion. Please book early and ask for these seats.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking, to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
There is an induction loop in the auditorium. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
