Mehran Modiri
Mehrdad Parham has one afternoon to get to the bank. If he does not pay his loan instalment by five o'clock, the bank will take his house. Saat Panj Asr, known in English as 5 in the Afternoon, is the social comedy that marked Mehran Modiri's debut as a feature film director.
| Original title | ساعت ۵ عصر |
|---|---|
| Latin title | Saat Panj Asr |
| English title | 5 in the Afternoon |
| Year | 2017 |
| Country | Iran |
| Language | Persian |
| Genres | Comedy, Social comedy |
| Director | Mehran Modiri |
| Writer | Mehran Modiri |
| Producer | Mehran Modiri |
| Cinematography | Mahmoud Kalari |
| Editor | Amir Adibparvar |
| Distributor | Filmiran |
| Theatrical release | 21 July 2017 (30 Tir 1396) |
A Lawyer Racing Against the Clock
The story is set in 1392 (2013). Mehrdad, played by Siamak Ansari, is a lawyer who lives alone in north Tehran, while his fiancée Mahnaz, played by Azadeh Samadi, is studying in France. On his way to the bank, one incident after another gets in his way. Each episode points to an everyday social problem that people have come to treat as normal, from the crush to board the metro to the difficulties of getting around the city and the state of the country's hospitals.
Siamak Ansari and Modiri's Regular Collaborators
Siamak Ansari leads a cast of actors familiar from Modiri's television comedies. Amir Jafari, Azadeh Samadi, Rasoul Najafian, Negin Motazedi and Modiri himself complete the main cast.
Shot by Mahmoud Kalari
Modiri wrote, produced and directed the film. Mahmoud Kalari, one of Iran's most respected cinematographers, shot it, and Amir Adibparvar edited it.
A Record Opening Day
Post-production took longer than planned, so the film missed the 35th Fajr Film Festival. A private premiere on 26 Tir 1396 drew many well-known guests. The public release was set for 28 Tir, but cinemas across the country closed for a religious mourning day, so the opening moved to 30 Tir. The film then set a record for an Iranian release on its opening day, and its total takings passed 9 billion toman.
5 in the Afternoon FAQ
Who directed Saat Panj Asr?
Mehran Modiri, in his first feature film.
What is the plot?
A lawyer must reach his bank by 5 pm to keep his house from being repossessed.
Who plays the lead?
Siamak Ansari plays Mehrdad Parham.
Is there a follow-up?
Modiri's second feature, Saat-e 6 Sobh, followed in 2024, although it is a drama rather than a sequel.
Who is in the cast?
Siamak Ansari, Amir Jafari, Azadeh Samadi, Rasoul Najafian, Negin Motazedi and Mehran Modiri.
Why did the release move to 30 Tir?
Cinemas nationwide were closed on 28 and 29 Tir for the anniversary of the death of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, so the opening was postponed.
Saat Panj Asr is a comic tour of everyday frustrations in Tehran, told through one man's very long afternoon.
