He'd done similar,
equally compelling work prior to his breakthrough (2009's About Elly stands as arguably his strongest film), but with an increased eye on Middle Eastern cinema in the wake of Kiarostami's Certified Copy and the jailing of the more radical, uncompromising Jafar Panahi, coupled with the film's heart - tugging narrative, A Separation arrived at an
opportune time for his country's rise to international cinematic prominence.