The Università Orientale’s Palazzo Corigliano in Naples, Italy, will host a special screening of “La Minor,” the final film by the late Iranian director Dariush Mehrjui. The event, scheduled for Thursday, forms part of an Iranian Cinema session that explores themes of solitude and identity in contemporary Iranian filmmaking. Iranian film critic Antonia Shoraka is set to attend, and university lecturer Natalia Tornesello will present a lecture during the program.

“La Minor,” also known as “A Minor,” centers on the story of Nadi, a young woman passionate about music. However, her traditional father, a carpet salesman, disapproves of music in the household and pressures her to give up her interest. He hopes she will pursue business studies to aid him with bookkeeping at his shop. Torn between her wife’s tacit acceptance of her husband’s strictness and her father’s demands, Nadi’s mother struggles to support her daughter. Meanwhile, Nadi’s grandfather encourages her musical pursuits, ultimately enabling her to learn guitar and discover her talent for composition.

Born in Tehran in 1939, Mehrjui was a pioneering figure in Iranian cinema, known for integrating realism and symbolism with the aesthetics of art films. Over his career, he directed notable works such as “Sara” (1993), “Pari” (1995), “Leila” (1996), “Mom’s Guest” (2004), and “The Orange Suit” (2012). “La Minor,” released in 2020, represents his most recent contribution to cinema. His films have been widely screened at international film festivals, garnering numerous awards and recognition for their impact on Iranian cinematic narratives.

Mehrjui’s life ended tragically in October 2023 when he and his wife, Vahideh Mohammadifar, were fatally stabbed in their home in Karaj, Alborz Province. The director’s death prompted an outpouring of grief across the film community and beyond, underscoring his significance as an influential cultural figure. The upcoming screening and discussion aim to honor his artistic legacy and continue dialogue on the themes he explored through his work.