Skip to main content

The Complex Legacy of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād in Iranian Cinema

Forthcoming Articles

The Complex Legacy of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād in Iranian Cinema

print
cite
print
cite

Cite this article

(2024). The Complex Legacy of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād in Iranian Cinema. In Cinema Iranica. Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation https://cinema.iranicaonline.org/article/the-complex-legacy-of-ruhangiz-saminezhad-in-iranian-cinema/
. "The Complex Legacy of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād in Iranian Cinema." Cinema Iranica, Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation, 2024. https://cinema.iranicaonline.org/article/the-complex-legacy-of-ruhangiz-saminezhad-in-iranian-cinema/
(2024). The Complex Legacy of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād in Iranian Cinema. In Cinema Iranica. Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation. Available from: https://cinema.iranicaonline.org/article/the-complex-legacy-of-ruhangiz-saminezhad-in-iranian-cinema/ [Accessed December 9, 2024].
. "The Complex Legacy of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād in Iranian Cinema." In Cinema Iranica, (Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation, 2024) https://cinema.iranicaonline.org/article/the-complex-legacy-of-ruhangiz-saminezhad-in-iranian-cinema/

This article explores the enigmatic journey of Rūhangīz Sāmīnezhād’s (1916-1997) stardom, focusing on her role in the pioneering Iranian film Dokhtar-e-Lor (The Lor Girl) released in 1933. Despite her meteoric rise as the first Muslim Iranian actress, Sāmīnezhād’s trajectory was marred by residual religious conventions leading to her socio-professional withdrawal following her initial success. Despite the supportive backdrop of Rezā Shāh Pahlavī’s modernization era, Sāmīnezhād’s dismissal of traditional roles clashed with the social conventions of her time, leading to her eventual traumatic retreat. By dissecting the film’s narrative, reception, and societal impact, the study uncovers the complexities of Sāmīnezhād’s stardom, reflecting on the broader challenges faced by women in Iranian cinema. Her journey serves as a symbol of success and adversity, shedding light on the ephemeral nature of early cinematic careers.