Embracing Ambiguity: Lessons from Abbas Kiarostami’s Philosophy on Storytelling

Abbas Kiarostami and me—between conversations, laughter, and cinema.

As I reflect on the philosophies that shaped my uncle Abbas Kiarostami’s approach to filmmaking, I am reminded of the profound lessons he taught us--not just about cinema but about life itself.

Abbas believed that films should leave room for the audience to engage and interpret. He often said, "The best films are the ones we dream about in our heads." For him, storytelling wasn’t about giving all the answers. It was about creating a dialogue between the film and its viewers, inviting them to fill in the gaps with their own imagination. This philosophy of embracing ambiguity gave his work a timeless, universal quality.

Abbas Kiarostami observing the making of my short film God’s Workshop, April 2014.

He approached filmmaking with simplicity and authenticity, often drawing beauty

from the mundane. His use of natural landscapes, non-professional actors, and sparse dialogue wasn’t just a stylistic choice—it was a reflection of his deep respect for the harmony of life and nature.

Abbas Kiarostami reviewing footage with me. Few words. Precise notes. A master reminding me that cinema lives in restraint.

Perhaps the most important lesson he shared with me was that a film isn’t complete until the audience becomes part of it. He called his work "half-created," trusting viewers to bring their own experiences and emotions to the narrative. This is a reminder that great art is a collaboration—a shared space where we all contribute to its meaning.

As I carry his legacy forward in my own projects, I strive to honor his belief that storytelling is as much about the questions we leave unanswered as the ones we explore.

To those who create, no matter the medium: How do you leave space for others to engage with your work?

Written by Sohrab Mirmont for Mirmont Pictures.

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