Director: Seyyed Abbas Seyed Ebrahimi

Aqa Morteza is a 2013 Iranian documentary directed by Seyyed Abbas Seyed Ebrahimi, offering an intimate and unconventional portrait of Seyyed Morteza Avini — the celebrated Iranian filmmaker, writer, and cultural figure whose work shaped how the Iran-Iraq War was remembered on screen.

What is Aqa Morteza about?

Through archival material, personal recollections, and a carefully assembled narrative, this documentary revisits the life and creative legacy of one of Iran's most distinctive voices in documentary cinema. Rather than following the standard biographical arc, the film constructs a layered image of Avini as a thinker, an artist, and a man of deep conviction. It traces his formative years, his philosophical outlook, and the singular body of work he left behind before his death in 1993. The approach is contemplative rather than celebratory, inviting viewers to sit with the complexity of who Avini was — not simply the icon, but the person behind the lens.

Cast & crew

The film is directed by Seyyed Abbas Seyed Ebrahimi. No principal on-screen cast is credited, as the documentary draws primarily on historical footage, archival records, and testimonies. Avini himself, as the film's subject, is central throughout — his own voice, writings, and visual work animate much of the runtime.

Context & significance

Seyyed Morteza Avini remains a towering and contested figure in Iranian cultural memory. Best known for the landmark documentary series Ravayat-e Fath (Chronicle of Victory), which documented frontline life during the Iran-Iraq War, Avini combined artistic ambition with a deeply personal worldview. For Iranian diaspora audiences, engaging with his life opens a window into a pivotal chapter of modern Iranian history and the role of documentary filmmaking as witness and memory. This film offers a chance to understand Avini outside the heavily politicised framing that often surrounds him, focusing instead on the human story and artistic choices behind his enduring work.

Where & how to watch

Aqa Morteza is available to stream on K-Time with original Persian audio. No VPN is needed and there is no geo-blocking — watch on your browser, TV, or phone wherever you are. Subscription is flexible, cancel anytime.