Film Forum to Host Premiere of The Friend's House
The Iran-USA co-production arrives in New York City on December 4, 2026, following its Sundance debut.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Arthouse
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Film Forum will host the US theatrical premiere of the 2026 film The Friend's House Is Here on December 4, 2026. The 95-minute feature explores boundaries between performance and reality.
Why it matters
The film brings a unique collaborative vision to New York City audiences, having already gained recognition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
The Friend's House Is Here features a 95-minute runtime and earned the Special Jury Award for Ensemble Cast at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. It follows in the lineage of international co-productions exploring complex social narratives.
The players
Maryam Ataei
She is one of the co-directors who led the secret production of this Iran-USA film.
Hossein Keshavarz
He is a co-director known for his contributions to this project that premiered at Sundance.
Film Forum
This is a prominent independent cinema venue in New York City that frequently hosts prestigious premieres.
The details
Directed by Maryam Ataei and Hossein Keshavarz, the film was shot in secret and intentionally blurs the lines between theatrical performance and lived experience. The production, set in Tehran, highlights the work of stars Mahshad Bahram, Hana Mana, Farzad Karen, and Zohreh Pirnia.
Timeline
The film was released in 2026.
The US theatrical premiere occurs at Film Forum on December 4, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The premiere of this film follows the recognition received at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, extending its reach to general audiences. It reflects the ongoing trend of international arthouse collaborations gaining significant traction within the US independent film circuit.
New York City moviegoers can attend the theatrical premiere at Film Forum starting December 4, 2026. Those interested in the ensemble cast's performance should check the theater's website for ticket availability and showtimes.
The takeaway
This film provides a rare look into an Iranian setting captured through secret filming methods. Audiences may appreciate the unique approach to storytelling that blends traditional performance with authentic lived experience.
Further reading
Discover more independent cinema news in the New York City Arthouse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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