Gabbeh

Gabbeh (Persian: گبه) is a 1996 Iranian film directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival.[2] The film was selected as the Iranian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 70th Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.[3][4]

The film derives its name from a type of Persian rug. It begins by showing an elderly couple, carrying their gabbeh, walking towards a river hoping to wash it. When the rug is spread upon the ground, a girl, referred to as Gabbeh, magically comes out of it. The film follows her story and the audience learn about her family, her uncle who is hoping to find a bride, and, most importantly, her longing for a young man she hopes to marry.

The film had its world premiere at the 1996 Cannes Film Festival. Shortly after was banned in Iran for being "subversive".[5]