Golshifteh Farahani: A Journey of Love and Literature in “Lire Lolita à Téhéran”

Introduction

In the March 13, 2025, issue of Elle France, Golshifteh Farahani graces the cover, captured by Gilad Sasporta. The acclaimed actress shares her transformative experience portraying a professor in the film adaptation of Azar Nafisi’s bestseller, “Lire Lolita à Téhéran.”

Having read Nabokov’s “Lolita” as a teenager in an oppressive regime, Farahani’s return to the Farsi language marks a significant turning point in her career and personal journey. The film poignantly explores the life of a literature professor who continues to teach forbidden classics, emphasizing the liberating power of storytelling against the backdrop of revolution and censorship in post-1979 Iran.

With striking honesty, Farahani discusses the emotional challenges of rehearsing and portraying such a deeply personal story. “When I first read the script, I felt completely disconnected. All my defense mechanisms kicked in,” she recalls. Yet, this vulnerability ultimately led her to an emotional catharsis, both during the shooting and when watching the completed film for the first time.

The film not only showcases Farahani’s impressive acting range but also celebrates the resilience and courage of women in a society that often seeks to silence them. As she says, “I adore being in love with life,” highlighting her relentless quest for happiness through art and personal connections.

March 13, 2025 | 10:10 pm