Where Is My Friend's House? (film)

Where Is My Friend’s House? (Persian: Khane-ye doust kodjast?) is a dramatic and family-themed film written and directed by Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami in 1987. The film centers on eight-year-old Ahmed, who accidentally takes his friend’s notebook and embarks on a journey to return it. Starring Ahmed Ahmed Poor and Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, the film has received international acclaim for its minimalist storytelling and performances.

^{Filmden Bir Sahne (}IMDb⁾

Where Is My Friend’s House? begins when eight-year-old Ahmed accidentally takes the notebook of his classmate Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh. When the teacher threatens to expel students who do not write their homework in their notebooks, Ahmed decides to return the notebook to prevent his friend from facing punishment. However, not knowing exactly where Mohammad Reza lives, Ahmed sets out for the village of Pousteh in search of him. Through this journey, the film presents, in a simple narrative, the resilience of a young child and offers observations on the social fabric of rural Iran and the world of children.

^{Filmden Bir Sahne (}IMDb⁾

Where Is My Friend’s House? is built around the themes of conscience, responsibility, and friendship. The film places the sense of duty a young boy feels toward his friend at its core and explores values such as honesty and sincerity in human relationships with a simple, unadorned style. Ahmed’s determination and perseverance in returning the notebook present to the audience the importance of ethical behavior and empathy through the perspective of a child. At the same time, the film illustrates how individual moral attitudes are shaped within a broader social context, using an everyday event as its narrative vehicle.

• Ahmed – Babek Ahmedpoor: The protagonist of the film. He accidentally takes his friend’s notebook and embarks on a difficult journey to return it.
• Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh – Ahmed Ahmedpoor: Ahmed’s classmate, who is at risk of being expelled from school because his notebook is missing.
• Teacher (Muallim) – Hodabakhsh Defaei (also known as Kheda Barech Defai): A strict and rule-bound teacher who threatens to punish students who fail to write their homework in their notebooks.
• Mother (Madar) – Iran Outari: Ahmed’s mother. She is occupied with daily household chores and does not fully understand her son’s concerns.
• Father – Ait Ansari: Ahmed’s father. He does not take his son’s efforts seriously and displays an authoritarian attitude.
• Ali (A Neighbor) – Biman Muafi: A member of the village community who tries to help Ahmed find his way.
• Friend of the Grandfather – Ali Cemali: An elderly man who appears in the film as a figure offering advice.
• Waiter – Aziz Babai: One of the minor characters Ahmed encounters during his journey.
• Landowner (Kharidar-e Dar) – Nadir Gulami: One of the people Ahmed speaks to; appears briefly.
• Azerbaijani Elderly Man (Piremard-e Azari) – Ekber Muradi: An elderly man who tries to guide Ahmed during his journey.
• Murtaza – Mohammad Reza Parvaneh: One of the children Ahmed meets during his journey.
• Apple Seller – Hager Faraz Fakir: One of the vendors Ahmed encounters on his journey.

The film earned a total worldwide gross of $14,413 US dollars. This figure is consistent with the film’s low budget and limited international distribution. The film is recognized not for commercial success but for its critical acclaim and artistic value.

• Bronze Leopard Award – Abbas Kiarostami
• FIPRESCI Prize – Special Mention – Abbas Kiarostami
• Ecumenical Jury Prize – Special Mention – Abbas Kiarostami

• Golden Plate – Best Director – Abbas Kiarostami
• Jury Special Prize – Abbas Kiarostami

• Golden Leopard Award (Best Film) – Abbas Kiarostami

• Golden Plate – Best Screenplay – Abbas Kiarostami
• Golden Plate – Best Film – Abbas Kiarostami
• Golden Plate – Best Cinematography – Farhad Saba