Close up | نمای نزدیک

Hossain Sabzian, a cinephile and a huge fan of Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf, impersonates Makhmalbaf and poses as the famous director to a family he meets on a bus. He visits the Ahankhah family multiple times, pretending he wants to use their house for his next film and their sons as actors. He even borrows money from one of the sons. Suspicion arises when Mr. Ahankhah realizes Sabzian doesn’t resemble the younger Makhmalbaf depicted in a magazine photo. They invite a journalist who confirms that Sabzian is an impostor. The police arrest him, and he’s put on trial for fraud and attempted fraud. Kiarostami, a renowned filmmaker, records the trial.

During the trial, Sabzian expresses his love for Makhmalbaf’s films and his deep passion for cinema. The Ahankhah family testifies about their growing suspicions. Considering Sabzian’s remorse, lack of prior criminal record, and his role as a young father, the judge asks the family if they would pardon him in exchange for his commitment to be a productive member of society. The family agrees to this, and Sabzian is released.

In a touching conclusion, the real Makhmalbaf meets Sabzian, and they travel to the Ahankhah family’s house together, with Kiarostami’s crew following. When they meet Mr. Ahankhah, he expresses hope that Sabzian will turn his life around and make them proud.