The Witness (2025)
A gripping Iranian drama about one woman's dangerous stand against power, silence, and injustice.
The Witness - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Witness
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: Nader Saeivar
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Persian
- Spoken Languages: Persian
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 4, 2025 (Turkey), August 21, 2025 (Germany - 12), August 27, 2025 (France), August 21, 2025 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Shahed (AT)
- Production Companies: ArtHood Films, Golden Girls Filmproduktion, Sky Films
- Production Countries: Austria, Germany
The Witness - Plot
In Iran, the retired dance teacher Tarlan witnesses her friend Rana's murder by her husband, who is an important government figure. When the police refuse to investigate, Tarlan must decide whether to bow to political pressure or risk her reputation and livelihood in pursuit of justice.
The Witness - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold:
Where to Watch The Witness
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The Witness - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nader Saeivar
Main Cast
- Maryam Boubani
- Nader Naderpour
- Ghazal Shojaei
- Hana Kamkar
- Abbas Imani
- Farid Eshaghi
Writers
- Jafar Panahi
- Nader Saeivar
Producers
- Said Nur Akkuş
- Silvana Santamaria
- Arash T. Riahi
- Sabine Gruber
The Witness - FAQs
Where can you watch The Witness (2025)?
The Witness (2025) is available to stream on select platforms depending on your region. You can compare all current viewing options, including streaming, rental, and purchase availability, by checking JustWatch. Availability may vary by country and is subject to change as distribution expands.
Is The Witness based on a true story?
The Witness is not directly based on a single documented true story, but its narrative draws on the broader reality of institutional impunity and gender-based violence in Iran. The film reflects systemic conditions many women face when seeking justice against politically connected perpetrators in the country.
Who are the main actors in The Witness?
The Witness stars Maryam Boubani as Tarlan, the retired dance teacher at the center of the story, alongside Nader Naderpour as Solat, Ghazal Shojaei as Ghazal, Hana Kamkar as Zara, Abbas Imani as Tarlan's son, and Farid Eshaghi as a security officer.
What is The Witness (2025) about?
The Witness follows Tarlan, a retired dance teacher in Iran, who witnesses her close friend Rana being murdered by her husband, a high-ranking government official. When authorities refuse to act, Tarlan faces an agonizing choice between personal safety and the moral imperative to pursue justice.
Who directed The Witness (2025)?
The Witness was directed by Nader Saeivar, an Iranian-Austrian filmmaker. Saeivar also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Jafar Panahi, the acclaimed and internationally recognized Iranian director known for his politically charged, humanist cinema.
What is Jafar Panahi's role in The Witness?
Jafar Panahi, the celebrated Iranian filmmaker, co-wrote the screenplay for The Witness with director Nader Saeivar and also served as the film's editor. Panahi's involvement lends the project significant artistic credibility and connects it to a tradition of courageous Iranian political filmmaking.
When was The Witness (2025) released?
The Witness had its initial release on April 4, 2025, in Turkey. It subsequently opened in Germany and Spain on August 21, 2025, and in France on August 27, 2025. The film has been distributed across multiple European territories throughout 2025.
What language is The Witness (2025) in?
The Witness is spoken entirely in Persian (Farsi). It is an Austrian-German co-production featuring an Iranian cast, and was filmed in Persian to authentically portray its Iranian setting and characters. Audiences outside Persian-speaking regions will typically watch it with subtitles.
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